Submitted by San Juan County

Housing advocates across San Juan County are exploring the feasibility of launching a HomeShare Program to address some of the housing issues in the county. The program, administered through the resource centers, will facilitate roommate matches between Home Providers and Home Seekers. Similar programs have been successful in many communities in Washington State and across the nation. We are asking for the public’s input to gauge the feasibility of and interest in this program in San Juan County. Please complete the short survey linked at the end of this release.

San Juan HomeShare aims to utilize a community-based solution to alleviate the affordable housing crisis and provide some extra care to our aging population. Home Seekers are compassionate individuals or couples who may be struggling to find affordable housing, and in some cases are willing to assist with household chores, yard work or running errands. Home Providers are flexible individuals, couples, or families who have an extra room or available guesthouse for someone to reside in comfortably. Home Providers may also be households who need some assistance with housework or day-to-day tasks, or that need a little extra supplemental income.

This program is a low-maintenance program that intends to foster a sense of community and provide companionship, security and stability to all participants. The program will run preliminary background checks, offer resources for roommate relations and complete occasional check-ins on the participants.

Complete a short survey to let the county know your thoughts: https://goo.gl/forms/MHlLXXgoZeh8aNsg2.

For more information, contact Abby Anderson, Housing and Asset Coordination VISTA at vista@sanjuanco.com.