HomeShare Vermont has officially broadened its reach to include communities in Windsor and Windham Counties, uniting Vermonters to address the state’s housing crisis with creative homesharing solutions. With this expansion, HomeShare Vermont now serves 12 of Vermont’s 14 counties.
For more than 40 years, HomeShare Vermont has worked to create matches based on needs, interests and lifestyles. This often includes help around the house and companionship, and sometimes minimal rent – the average guests pay is $379 monthly, with 30 percent of guests paying no rent. Guests provide an average of 8.5 hours weekly of help, including housekeeping, yardwork, pet care, errands and general camaraderie. All applicants to the program undergo six background checks and several reference checks.
Through a partnership with the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust, staff are in place and ready to vet and match homeowners, or hosts, with guests, or those seeking housing. This comes after HomeShare announced a partnership in 2023 with the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, at the time expanding to 16 towns in northern Windsor County. Being able to serve these new areas has been made possible through funding from the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).
This unique and inclusive housing model is utilized by people of all ages – ranging from 19 to 100. A recent survey of hosts and guests showed that 80 percent of homesharers reported feeling happier and 79 percent feeling less lonely as a result of living with a matched person.
“By bringing Vermonters together, we are fortunate to have witnessed vibrant, inter-generational, caring and supportive relationships form,” HomeShare Vermont Executive Director Connor Timmons. “Homesharing works because it just makes sense for so many people in our state.”
“This is a great program.” Director of Homeownership with Windham & Windsor Housing Trust shares. “We are very happy to be working with HomeShare and excited to begin working with people in our region to identify hosts and guests and facilitate successful home shares.”
To learn more and apply to be a host or guest, visit homesharevermont.org.
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The first listing in our region is now up! Check it out here: https://www.homesharevermont.org/listing/who-loves-gardening-crafting-and-animals/
HomeShare Vermont is a non-profit organization with over 40 years of experience, providing a comprehensive screening and matching service to people who have a home to share and others looking for a place to live. Our services are open to people of all ages and incomes. HomeShare Vermont is a funded agency of the United Way of Northwest Vermont and United Way of Addison County. HomeShareVermont.org
