Homeshare Program

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This Dallas countywide program facilitates arrangements between individuals who have more housing than they need with people and/or families in need of housing.

Typically the person with the home is female, head of household who has outlived her spouse. Her immediate family is quite mobile and busy raising their own family. Her friends have aged along with her and struggle to remain independent.  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.

Homeshare CareIn 2004 we received a grant from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and started an enhanced service within our Homeshare program.  The Homeshare CARE program offers a rental stipend along with structured services focusing on Case Management, Assistance to community resources, Rental support, and Empowerment. Homeshare CARE has a financial commitment not to exceed 12 months.

Homeshare and Homeshare CARE provide 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 and 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 Negotiation 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)

Who can use Homeshare arrangements?

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

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

Shared Housing Mission:

Shared Housing Center was created in 1984 to provide and facilitate affordable housing options. Our mission has been to offer housing options and supportive services that foster independence, empowerment, and self-worth and to serve a multicultural, intergenerational population.
Applications for Homeshare, Group Residence and volunteering are at the bottom of this page.

Please connect with us:

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Upcoming Events


School is Cool
Saturday, August 22, 2020
1:00am - 1:00pm
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Camp Gingerbread
NorthPark Center
Saturday and Sunday
December 5 & 6, 2020
10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Holiday Hero Party
Saturday, December 19, 2020
11:00am - 1:00pm

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