HOW DOES HOMESHARING WORK?
The HomeSharing process begins with an intake phone call or visit by the client to collect basic information and to initially screen the client into HomeSharing services or to make referrals to other agencies. At this time a background check is completed using public websites such as Megan’s Law and Department of Corrections. All potential clients complete an initial application and client references are called.
The next step is an interview with the HomeSharing Social Worker. Providers and Seekers are interviewed to learn about their personal habits and their history, confirm employment, and ensure that there is adequate income to cover the monthly rent. Seekers are interviewed at the HomeSharing site or at a convenient public place of their choosing. Providers are interviewed in their homes, so that the adequacy of the residence may be assessed as well.
At this point in the process, clients are provided with the contact information for potential matches based on their personal preferences, with permission of all parties. Clients keep in touch with the HomeSharing staff as they pursue their match.
HomeSharing doesn’t “place” people in homes. Once the two prospective clients decide they are a match, a HomeSharing shared housing meeting is scheduled. During this meeting our Social Worker facilitates a discussion on all aspects of the shared living agreement, including which portions of the home are shared or considered private, who is responsible for cleaning, and when the rent is due. Both Seeker and Provider leave the meeting with a written copy of the agreement and clear dates for move in and financial arrangements.
HomeSharing monitors the match through follow-up phone calls, visits and surveys during the life of the match as well as during the Holiday Food programs and other HomeSharing events. Case management around such things as financial stability, job seeking, and food and health care resources is provided to insure the stability of the match, and mediation is provided should any conflicts arise between the Provider and the Seeker.
Source: Learn More – HomeSharing