Homeshare Program

Program design & purpose

This Dallas countywide program matches individuals who have more housing than they need with people and families in need of housing. Typically the person with the home is female, head of household who has outlived spouse, family, friends and their informal support network. They are house rich and money poor; struggling to pay utilities, maintenance of the home and taxes. They seek a roommate who can contribute minimally to the finances and substantially to their life by offering companionship, assistance with house chores and a sense of security. We also attract young widows and divorcees who need a roommate primarily for financial assistance with mortgage payments and utilities. The person or families who seek housing come from all walks of life. They are students, second career seekers, recently divorced persons, low-income families, unemployed persons, homeless individuals/families, women with their children fleeing domestic violence situations, and single women fleeing abusive partners.

All roommates have the desire to be matched based on common interests and affordability. Our commitment is that each arrangement facilitated meets the individuals' requests and needs. Our goal is that each arrangement contributes not only to the individuals and families involved, but also to the community by preserving homes and promoting alternative housing solutions.

The program cuts across cultural, ethnic, gender, religious, economic and multi-generations issues. The essential elements are safety, comfort and a feeling of self-worth. Our counseling model provides the following services:

Intake/screening services

• Description of the program including requirements and history
• Description of the program process, perceptions and expectations

Reference checking

• Criminal record background check
• Personal background check

Housing Option Counseling

• Offer other housing options and referrals if inquirer is not suitable for the program
• Suggest researching other options to support/compliment a homeshare arrangement

Home Inspections and Initial Interview

• Visit to examine safety of home and neighborhood
• Visit home to assess applicant's needs, expectations, preferences, and concerns

Community Services Referrals & Information

• Make appropriate referrals to assist homeowner as deemed necessary after visit (home repairs, home health services, or other services discussed)

Facilitation of Introduction between Potential Homesharers

• Maintain communications with all parties to assure a level of comfort with preliminary interviews and telephone conversations
• Arrange home visits with potential roommates
• Attend interview(s) to review particulars of both parties and to assist with discussing outstanding issues or concerns

Assistance in the Negotiations of Homesharing Contracts

• Introduce and maintain temporary (short-term) contracts
• Introduce and maintain long-term contracts

Follow-up Assistance

• Monitor arrangement for satisfaction
• Mediate and arbitrate differences or conflicts
• Maintain communications for special occasions (birthdays and anniversaries of arrangement)

Back to Top

How it works

Our oldest service, the Homeshare Project matches homeseekers with homeproviders. Most homeproviders are mature adults, who have outlived their spouse, family and support groups, and find themselves with more housing than they are able to maintain or afford. We match homeproviders with homeseekers, who are usually single adults or single parents with one child and are willing to provide assistance with chores, household maintenance, meal preparation, or transportation.

Typically the person with the home is female, head of household who has outlived spouse, family, friends and their informal support network. They are house rich and money poor; struggling to pay utilities, maintenance of the home and taxes. They seek a roommate who can contribute minimally to the finances and substantially to their life by offering companionship, assistance with house chores and a sense of security. We also attract young widows and divorcees who need a roommate primarily for financial assistance with mortgage payments and utilities.

The person or families who seek housing come from all walks of life. They are students, second career seekers, recently divorced persons, low-income families, unemployed persons, homeless individuals/families, women with their children fleeing domestic violence situations, and single women fleeing abusive partners.

Homesharing promotes living arrangements in which people share a residence based on common needs, interests and preferences. Each arrangement is custom made; therefore, services rendered and costs involved will vary. Our goal is that each arrangement contributes not only to the individuals and families involved, but also to the community by preserving homes and promoting alternative housing solutions.

The program cuts across cultural, ethnic, gender, religious, economic and multi-generations issues. The essential elements are safety, comfort and a feeling of self-worth. Our counseling model provides the following services:

The variety of Homeshare Arrangements include:

• Older Adult Peer Homesharing
  —Two or more older people share a home
• Intergeneration Homesharing
  —An older homeprovider with a young housemate
  —A young person or family with an older housemate
• Single Parent Peer Homesharing
  — Two single parent families share a home

Back to Top

Who can use homeshare arrangements?

• Homeproviders living in Dallas County
• Homeseekers who wish to live in Dallas County and want to share a home
• Persons applying must be 21 years of age or older

Back to Top

What services are provided by the shared housing center staff?

• Telephone counseling
• A personal interview to discuss your housing needs, preferences, concerns and expectations
• Careful screening, criminal background and reference checks
• Home visits
• Assistance with the housematch trial period and agreement
• Ongoing assistance to assure the success of your match
• Re-matching if initial match dissolves
• Information and referral to other services when appropriate

Back to Top

What is the process for admission to the program?

Individuals interested in the Homeshare Program must complete an application and be screened for references and criminal records. If accepted, the resident will be required to complete an agreement with the agency, acknowledging the length of time, house rules and plan of action towards seeking permanent, affordable housing.

Back to Top

What does it cost to use homeshare?

• $10.00 non-refundable fee at time of application
• $20.00 additional fee at the time of successful match

Your fees contribute 5% of the total cost of the Homeshare Project. The remaining 95% of the costs are financed through public and private grants, foundations, organizations and individual donations.

Back to Top

Applications

HOMEPROVIDER APPLICATION —Have a home you'd like to share?
CLICK HERE to download a printable PDF.

HOMESEEKERS APPLICATION —Would you like to join the program?
CLICK HERE to download a printable PDF.

You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view & print the application;
Click here to download the free software if you have problems viewing the PDF.

After completing your application, please FAX it to 214.828.1499,
Or drop it in the MAIL:

Shared Housing Center
402 N. Good Latimer Expressway,
Dallas, TX 75204

Back to Top