Best Practice

Encourage Senior Residents to Participate In a Home-sharing Program

Local governments and nonprofit service organizations can encourage senior residents to participate in a home-sharing program that matches them with individuals who need a place to rent. This utilizes existing housing infrastructure while also providing seniors with someone to help with home maintenance. In addition, renters learn about homeownership and have more opportunity to build roots in the community.

Cost

$ to $$, several websites exist that serve this need (nesterly.com, silvernest.com), but staff time may be needed to support implementation. The program is best managed through a dedicated housing nonprofit.

Timeframe

Around 6 months for program development and promotion; ongoing administration suggested.

Code

Education, Ownership, Rentals, Senior Housing

Challenge

Affordable Housing

Practice Tool

Program

Population

Homeowners, Renters, Seniors

Setting

Urban and Rural