I couldn't afford housing near my job. I pay $650 to live with a 77-year-old and help her with chores.

"A relative told me about HomeShare Vermont, a nonprofit that matches older people with empty space in their homes with people like me. It's an arrangement that works financially for both the guest and the host. As well as companionship, the host's incentives include the guest often assisting with chores. Guests are not considered carers, but they may help with tasks such as cooking meals, grocery shopping, and rides to the doctor's office."

"I'd stayed there temporarily until I found my own accommodation nearer my office. However, as soon as I started looking, I felt discouraged. There was a lack of affordable housing in the area. Renting a room in a house with four other people can easily cost over $1,000 a month. In most cases, I didn't even qualify as a tenant because I didn't earn the required amount under the lease."

"Each party is vetted by the organization, and I was excited to be matched with Honey, a part-time nanny, who lives in a four-bedroom hous. Mazza and Donegan with Tinker, one of Donegan's two dogs. Courtesy of Kayla Mazza."

"Every night, at 7 p.m., my housemate, Honey Donegan, 77, and I sit down to watch Jeopardy in her den. Friday night is often movie night. It's a lovely bonding experience, despite the 46-year age gap. Honey and I first met in March 2023, but our friendship has gotten stronger by the day since I moved into her home."

A guest seeking housing near a job faced high rents and lease requirements that made tenancy difficult after taking a pay cut. HomeShare Vermont was found as a nonprofit that pairs older people with empty space in their homes with guests who need a place to live. The arrangement is designed to work financially for both the older host and the guest. Hosts receive incentives that can include help with chores, while guests are not treated as carers. Guests may still support daily needs such as cooking, grocery shopping, and rides to medical appointments. Both parties are vetted by the organization before matching.

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