Georgian Bay Home Share

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA BEDROOM IN YOUR HOME?

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT GEORGIAN BAY HOME SHARE?

GEORGIAN BAY HOME SHARE (GBHS) is a unique and innovative ministry and outreach of Grace United Church in Thornbury. ( Attendance or membership at Grace is not required to participate in GBHS.)

THE HOME SHARE CONCEPT has been popular in Europe for many years and with the rising costs of housing, is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, and particularly Ontario. Home Share is a living arrangement in which two or more people share living space within a home. In the case of GBHS it is usually an older adult and a younger person. Some of the benefits of this arrangement are a mutual sharing of talents, abilities, and interests and support and encouragement for each other. There is a sharing of household work and expense with an exchange of services in lieu of some rent. This is a win/win situation for both as there is a reduced rent for the renter and human contact and connection for the home provider. A safety net is created and there is an increase in the health and welfare of both individuals.

Many seniors in this area are living alone in their homes. Often they are lonely and may also have difficultly maintaining their homes. With costs rising some seniors may need to supplement their finances to cover the increase in household expenses.

Locally young people are having difficulty finding rental accommodations that they can afford, especially those working in the service industry. According to the United Way of Grey Bruce in March 2022, to afford a market rent of $1500 per month for a 1 bedroom rental, a household must earn $60,000 per year or $32.96 per hour with a 35 hour work week.

The economy of the community also benefits as employers will be able to hire and retain workers locally. Families will benefit from having their loved ones safe and happy in their own homes.

GBHS matches vetted home seekers and home providers. Once an application is received there is an in-depth interview to get to know the seeker or provider, discussing their wants and needs in a home share agreement. Reference and police checks are provided. When the GBHS team believe they have two compatible house mates, an introductory meeting takes place, then the seeker visits the home. With the assistance of GBHS a living arrangement is created. Ongoing support is provided for 6 months after the home share match.

GBHS launched in early January 2023. Although we are currently seeking both home providers and home seekers, our greatest need at this time is for home providers. Please contact GBHS if you would like more information on the project, or if you would like to become a home provider or home seeker.

Please contact GBHS Georgianbayhomeshare@gmail.com or 519 378-4734

Georgian Bay Home Share website is www.georgianbayhomeshare.ca

Submitted by Diana Dolmer