For over 40 years, HomeShare Vermont has been matching up people who have extra housing with people who need it. Each match is unique and based on the needs, interests and lifestyles of the people involved. HomeShare handles background checks and screens all applicants for match compatibility. After agreements are signed and everyone is all moved in, HomeShare continues to conduct ongoing check-ins to ensure everyone is safe and happy. The program was designed to support Vermonters who are aging, because they know that those health outcomes are much better. There’s no age restriction on who can be a host and who can be a guest, with the exception of requiring that both be adults. The youngest guest to be matched in the past year was 22, with the youngest host to share a home being 27. Typical matches average two years, though some are designed to be short-term. Any match that isn’t going well is handled by HomeShare, who designs a graceful exit within a week or two. There is a 30-day notice policy for a match-member to make the other party aware they are dissatisfied and are dissolving the arrangement. More often than not, the arrangements pair nicely. The longest-running match just completed their 19th year. Rent costs for guests average $359 to $650 a month. About a quarter of the guests pay nothing because their time and assistance is worthwhile for the host. Many guests are retired and will do things like cooking, cleaning and laundry, while the host is at work. It’s a win-win for both parties.
