Home Sharing Program, Administered by New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, Provides Free Matching Service between “Hosts” and “Guests”; Options for Developmentally Disabled Also Available
(NEW YORK) – The only one of its kind in New York City, the Home Sharing Program, administered by New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, is a free matching service that pairs “hosts” who have extra private bedrooms in their homes or apartments to share with responsible, compatible “guests” seeking suitable affordable housing. Established in in 1981, the program eases financial burdens and provides companionship.
The program also matches hosts who are interested in Home Sharing with those with developmental disabilities capable of independent living.
Who is Eligible?
Prospective adult “hosts,” who have a private bedroom available within their homes, are linked up with appropriate adult “guests” to share their space. One of the “match mates” must be age 60 or over. The program also serves adult “hosts” aged 55 and over, who are interested in sharing their homes with developmentally disabled adult “guests” capable of independent living. The homes must be located within one of New York City’s five boroughs.
Guests may choose to contribute toward hosts’ monthly household expenses or provide household services in exchange for lower or even no monthly payments.
What Services Will Be Provided?
The Foundation’s professional social work staff provides comprehensive, confidential screening and matching services. It also offers assistance with negotiating shared living arrangements. Once the host and guest agree to share living quarters, a “match” is made.
What is the Cost?
There is no charge for the Home Sharing Program’s matching service. However, Home Sharing guests are responsible for a monthly contribution toward mutually agreed upon household expenses and/or provision of household services.
Additional services in negotiation of agreements for shared living, follow-up counseling and referral to entitlement and social service programs if applicable.
Who Funds the Home Sharing Program?
The Home Sharing Program is funded by New York State and New York City legislators, New York State Office for the Aging, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, New York City Department for the Aging and private contributions.
How to Apply?
For further information or to apply, call: 212-962-7559 and ask for the Home Sharing Program, email: swalters@nyfscltcop.org or visit: www.nyfsc.org.
A sampling of insights on the program from participants that are approved for use:
Enid Holt, 82, Manhattan, retired furniture designer:
“I love my roommate and sharing my large apartment. She is a fashion designer. We both have our private lives, but we immediately took to one another. We have so much in common. I think the Home Sharing Program is absolutely amazing.”
Marcia Rosenfeld, Brooklyn, substitute teacher, writer, editor; has served as a host since approximately 1997:
“My landlord’s office manager originally suggested the program to me. She told me that it always costs more money to move and I was better off getting involved in this home sharing program as an alternative to moving into a smaller apartment. I’m very glad that she suggested it to me. I have found it to be a wonderful way to get someone reliable and compatible with whom to share my apartment. They investigate the people thoroughly. In this current high-rent environment it is often essential to have someone with whom to share expenses.”
Carolyn Allen, 69, Brooklyn, police administrative assistant, guest:
“It’s a good program. I feel lucky. When I walked into the living room, it was huge and I have my own bathroom. We each have our privacy.”
Participants in the Home Sharing Program for those people living with a developmental disability:
Victoria Golding, 75, Brooklyn, a practicing minister and retired nurse:
“The Home Sharing Program looks at the heart of the guests and their needs. They approach the situation with tenderness. I am happy to be providing a safe, clean and quiet home site where the guests are comfortable in the spaces they choose. I help see to it that my guests keep appointments, receive their mail and so forth.”
Donna Jemmott, 55, Queens, a mediator and medical transcriptionist:
“I like the fact that I am helping others by sharing my home. It’s a mutual situation. They are helping me financially and I enjoy mentoring them. The guests add purpose and dimension to my life.
Margarita Nunez, 57, Bronx:
“My sister-in-law told me about the program. It is a very, very good program. My guest is very polite and nice.”
CONTACT:
Sarah Fletcher (sarahf@lhammond.com)
Gina McNamee (ginam@lhammond.com)
LOU HAMMOND & ASSOCIATES
212-891-0220/221
www.louhammond.com
