What is Home Share?

A living arrangement where Home Providers offer accommodation to Home Seekers in exchange for an agreed upon level of support in the form of combinations of financial contribution, assistance with household tasks, transportation, or companionship. The Home Provider determines the cost of home sharing. For example, a Provider may ask a Seeker to pay monthly rent and a share of utilities while another Provider may charge a fixed monthly rent that includes utilities. Some Home Providers are willing to reduce rent for an exchange of services provided by the Home Seeker. Each Provider is different based on their needs.

What are the benefits of Home Sharing?

A primary motivation to home share, for both Provider and Seeker alike, is to be able to make the cost of living more affordable in a difficult housing market. Many Providers and Seekers who apply to the program are living on a fixed income and home sharing can provide mutually beneficial, affordable housing options for both parties. Other benefits can include giving and receiving companionship, a greater sense of security, help with household chores, the ability to save money or pay down debts, and share the costs of household items and utilities.

Who are typical Home Providers and Home Seekers?

There are no “typical” home sharers. Anyone who is 18 or older may apply to the program. As a senior-focused organization, our mission is to help seniors remain as independent as possible at home for as long as possible. Thus, it is a requirement of the program that Provider or Seeker is a senior in each home share arrangement.

What is the cost of Home Sharing?

Senior Services for South Sound charges a $35 application fee for both Home Providers and Home Seekers. In addition, there is a one time $50 fee per match for Home Providers. As stated above, Home Providers will determine the amount of the financial contribution and both parties must agree to those terms.

How do Home Providers get connected with Home Seekers?

Home Share Program Managers will interview and screen all applicants for compatibility of lifestyles, check references, and perform thorough criminal background checks. Program Managers will then match Home Providers with Home Seekers. Providers and Seekers who have been matched will spend time getting to know each other and confirm or deny their compatibility. The timeline for receiving potential match referrals will vary based on many factors. Senior Services for South Sound cannot guarantee a home share match.

How Do I Apply?

If you are interested in being a Home Provider, please submit your Home Share Provider Application. This can be done online or through the mail. You can download a printable version here.

If you are interested in being a Housemate, please submit you Home Share Seeker Application. This can be done online or through the mail. You can download a printable version here.

*At this time we are unable to accept digital applications. We're sorry for the inconvenience.

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How Do I Make Payment?

Applications are considered complete upon receipt of the $35 application fee by cash, check, or credit card. If you would like to pay online with your credit card, please click here to make a payment. If you are a Provider who has been recently matched, please contact the Program Manager for information on how to pay your one time match fee. Payments can also be made in-person by cash, check, or credit card at either our Lacey or Olympia locations.

Please make checks payable to Senior Services for South Sound, Home Share and send to 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501. You will receive confirmation of your payment by Home Share staff.

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Interested but need more information? Fill out an inquiry form and a Home Share staff member will contact you.

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The Home Share Program is made possible through the generous funding of the City of Lacey, the City of Olympia, the City of Tumwater and The Regional Housing Council. Thank you for making a difference by allowing Home Share to operate in our community!