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Meet Your Match.
Find out what Canada HomeShare™ is all about.
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Safety and Support
Canada HomeShare™ is entirely facilitated by a team of dedicated Social Workers who will prioritize your safety and security by completing Vulnerable Sector Screenings on all participants and safety checks on all homes and providing ongoing support in the form of regular follow-ups, mediation, and conflict resolution services. We are here to support you through every step to ensure a safe and happy HomeShare experience
What is Canada HomeShare?
Canada HomeShare is a program run by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) that matches older adults (55+) with a spare room in their home who would benefit from receiving additional income and/or help around the home with university and college students seeking affordable housing.
In exchange for reduced rent of $400-$600 per month, the student provides up to seven hours of companionship and/or assistance with completing light household tasks, such as preparing and sharing meals, tidying up, carrying groceries, or walking a pet.
How it works
Find out how Canada HomeShare™ pairs students and older adults.
1. Tell us about yourself!
What kind of HomeShare experience you would like? Our online application takes approximately 30 minutes to fill out. Once complete you will receive an invitation to a meeting with a HomeShare social worker.
2. Let’s Have a Conversation!
We know you have questions, HomeShare social workers have answers. Your virtual meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know you, answer your questions, provide clarification, and to address any concerns you may have.
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3. Meet your match.
Finding the perfect match takes time, we want to get it right. The HomeShare process involves a Vulnerable Sector Screening and a reference check. It can take 2-3 months to be introduced to a match. Your HomeShare social worker will be there every step of the way to provide updates and answer any questions you may have.
Join Us!
Students
Looking to live with an older adult?
Home Providers
Have an extra bedroom?
"They were away from home, and my home was their home."
Joyce Rainville, Home Provider
Want to learn more?
Come to one of our online information sessions!
Frequently asked questions
1
Who is eligible to join the Canada HomeShare Program?
Any older adult aged 55 and over with a spare bedroom in their home is eligible for the program. Older couples or families living with -- and caring for -- an older adult are also welcome to apply. Please note that if you live in co-operative housing you will need to ensure that having a student sharing your living space does not violate your tenancy agreement.
All students studying at a post-secondary institution on a full-time or part-time basis are welcome to apply. There is no preference given for a particular field of study, or the subject or level of the degree/certificate program. Students from specialized post-secondary institutions are also welcome to apply.
2
What do home providers need to provide?
All students must have their own private bedroom, access to a bathroom and kitchen, and space in the kitchen to cook and store food. Many students appreciate access to laundry, internet, and a furnished room but this is not necessary to participate in the program.
3
What are the terms of the HomeShare agreement?
A HomeShare agreement is a document that both the student and home provider sign before living together that determines the agreed-upon terms and details of their HomeShare arrangement.
The terms of each HomeShare Agreement are customized to match each individual HomeShare match. However, the Agreement will always address rent, what contributions are expected from the student to the household, and what spaces in the home are shared including any special considerations.
4
Can a home provider take multiple HomeShare students at the same time?
No. Our current policy is limited to placing one student with each home provider within the boundaries of the program.
5
How much do you charge Home Providers and Students?
Canada HomeShare is free of charge.
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