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The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Homesharing
1. WHAT IS HOMESHARING?
Homesharing is an innovative housing program designed to match people
(adults, couples, single parents) together in roommate situations that
are beneficial to both participants in the match.
2. CAN ANYONE HOMESHARE?
Anyone can home share. All persons in the match must be 18 years of age
or older and that each person has his/her own bedroom.
3. WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO DO THIS?
People enter into homesharing arrangements for many different reasons.
Some people want or need help with expenses, while others are interested in
companionship and/or security. Additionally, some homesharing matches
involve an exchange of services in place of some or all of the rent. These
services canhelp older adults maintain their homes. Homesharing can help
people of all ages through transitional periods such as divorce, loss of a spouse,
company downsizing or education pursuits.
4. TYPES OF PROGRAM:
MATCH-UP;
A comprehensive program that includes: personal interviews and questionnaire,
matching and get-acquainted sessions, reference checking, advisory assistance
in negotiating a homesharing contract and follow-up assistance.
SHARED LIVING RESIDENCE;
S.A.G.A. partners with Brokerage companies locating and/or
identifying property owners willing to provide affordable housing for two or more
tenants in an apartment and/or home. S.A.G.A. conducts credit, reference checks,
and questionnaire and provides monitoring service for a successful homesharing
experience.
5. IS THERE A FEE?
YES. The agency does charge an application fee of $75.00 to begin the application
process inclusive of screening and mandatory workshops regarding homesharing
services.
6. WHAT ARE THE GEORAPHICAL BOUNDARIES?
The program boundaries are the South sides of Chicago and bordering communities.
A Home Provider must live and/or have properties in these areas and a Home Seeker
must be willing to live in or move to these same areas. If you are a Home Provider who
lives outside our service area, or are a Home Seeker who wants to live outside our
service area, we can refer you to a homesharing program that serves that specific area.
7. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LIMITATIONS?
As in any shared living arrangement, homesharers may have to give up some privacy
or personal space. Also, a Home Seeker may have to give up some personal belongings
or a pet if there is limited space at the Provider’s home. Homesharing may be shortterm
due to the transitional nature of the Home Seeker’s situation and should not be viewed
as a permanent arrangement.
8. WHAT IF THE HOME PROVIDER NEEDS REGULARLY SCHEDULED CARE OR
PERSONAL CARE?
Homesharing is an informal relationship rather than an employer/employee relationship.
The agency cannot arrange for 24-hour care. Home Providers who require a regularly scheduled
commitment from a homesharer may be difficult to match. Most Home Seekers are not trained
to provide personal or skilled care such as bathing, transferring or medication supervision.
9. HOW ARE PEOPLE SCREENED?
The Homesharing Housing Coordinator completes an initial assessment of all Home Providers
and Home Seekers. The agency requires that all applicants provide four references, one of which
is a personal reference. These references are then checked by the Homesharing Housing Coordinator.
10.HOW ARE PEOPLE MATCHED?
Once an application is completed, references are checked and every applicant must attend a
MANDATORY workshop prior to receiving information on active homeseekers and/or homeproviders.
The Homesharing Housing Coordinator identifies those people whose needs and expectations are
most compatible. Meet & Greet meetings are then arranged between Home Seekers and Home
Providers. When a match is made, the Housing Coordinator plays an active role negotiating a
mutually satisfying agreement.
11.DOES FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION COMMIT YOU TO HOMESHARING?
No. Filling out an application is the first step in the process. It may give you an idea of what we
consider when matching people and may help you decide if homesharing is right for you.
12. IS THE AGENCY INVOLVED AND ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES ONCE
A MATCH IS COMPLETED?
Yes. Once a match is made there will be additional fees required to continue a 90 day monitoring
service for the Match-Up Program. With respect to the Shared Living Program, the Homeprovider/
Landlord will have additional cost payable to Brokerage Company upon the execution
of a lease agreement.
13.HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A MATCH?
It can take from two to four months to make a match. If both parties are flexible and
have provided the required documentation, it could take less time processing a homesharing
match.
