Home Share NL is a 2-year pilot project designed to house students with seniors (50+). The project is not a research study, but opportunities for research exist in the program evaluation. Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of home ownership amongst seniors in the country at the same time as having a desperate housing situation for students across the province. Home Share NL links seniors (defined broadly as 50+) who live in their own homes with students who are seeking affordable accommodations. This arrangement can be as simple as a rental arrangement, to bring extra money into the household to offset the cost of living, or can involve an exchange of services for a reduction of rent.
Home Share NL uses existing housing stock to facilitate aging in place for seniors at the same time as creating affordable housing options for students. Well beyond the physical housing which the program opens up are the soft, social benefits of the program, including intergenerational learning, increased sense of security in the home and companionship, for all parties involved.
