Homeshare

In Homeshare, someone who needs a small amount of help to live independently in their own home is matched with someone who has a housing need and can provide support or companionship.

Homeshare schemes arrange the matching process between the ‘Householder’, who typically owns their home but has developed some support needs or has become isolated or anxious about living alone, with the ‘Homesharer‘, typically a younger student or key public service worker who cannot afford housing.

Usually no rent is charged, but the household bills are shared, and in return the Homesharer will help out around the house, for example by cooking meals, running errands, shopping trips and providing company. Homeshare works because a new relationship, designed to bring benefits to both people, is balanced with clarity and safeguards to protect everyone.