Imagine old and young living together to their mutual benefit. What a concept! How to address housing problems for post-secondary students while also connecting them to older adults in an innovative new home sharing model! That is exactly what Trent University is doing in a partnership with its Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) and Canada HomeShare.

Trent was founded on the principle that interactive learning is “personal, purposeful, and transformative”. It considers “personal development through supportive, collaborative engagement” to be key to building an inclusive community. Seeing students, faculty, and alumni as global citizens who can be catalysts “in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues” facilitates all to be part of the solution (Trent University, 2022).

Peterborough is one of ten cities hosting a pilot program to help elders to age in place while also providing safe, affordable housing for post-secondary students. Dubbed Canada HomeShare Peterborough, this is part of a broader intergenerational housing solution pioneered by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE). While paying $400 - $600 per month in rent, students provide up to 7 hours of support including companionship, household tasks, or errands for the older adults with whom they live.

The Canada HomeShare Peterborough Advisory Committee has representatives from Fleming College, Community Care Peterborough, the City of Peterborough, the Trent Centre for Aging and Society, and Age-Friendly Peterborough. Trent is a designated age-friendly university that has launched various initiatives to connect students with older people by providing intergenerational learning opportunities.

Toronto Home Share Was a Success
The original Toronto HomeShare pilot program was a major success, leading to these additional programs being launched in other towns and cities. In May, 2018, the City of Toronto, as part of its Toronto Seniors Strategy, entered a partnership with the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) and the City of Toronto Seniors Strategy Accountability Table, comprised of seniors, caregivers, and various community partners wishing to effectively support the city’s aging population. The goal was to empower older adults to age in place with the addition of extra income, help around the house, and companionship. It simultaneously addressed the lack of affordable housing in the City for students.‍ It matched 12 senior home providers and students to the benefit of both.

Canada Home Share is made possible through the use of professional social workers to ensure the safety and security of participants who must complete a vulnerable sector screening, with all homes also undergoing safety checks. Social workers are also available for follow-up and if mediation is required.

Home sharing is a valuable tool to bring together the generations while benefitting both through the creation of relationships, financial assistance, and interdependence.

To view the Powerpoint on the Toronto HomeShare program, please see: https://cnpea.ca/images/cnpea__canada_homeshare_webinar__final.pdf

REFERENCES
Canada HomeShare. (n.d.) Toronto: The original HomeShare site. https://www.canadahomeshare.com/locations/toronto

Trent University. (June 2, 2022). Innovative, intergenerational housing pilot project to connect older adults and post-secondary students in Peterborough. Trent University - Innovative, Intergenerational Housing Pilot Project to Connect Older Adults and Post-Secondary Students in Peterborough (educationnewscanada.com)

source: media release