Homesharing
About Homesharing
Homesharing is a simple idea: a homeowner offers accommodation to a homesharer in exchange for an agreed level of support in the form of financial exchange, assistance with household tasks, or both.
St. Ambrose Homesharing provides technical assistance to facilitate the matching of those who wish to share their homes with those needing low-cost housing. Some homeseekers may be retired, nearing retirement, or in transition through divorce/death of a spouse. Others may be in transition through downsizing, seeking more affordable housing, or they may be engaged in educational pursuits.
Homesharing is a more secure alternative to other roommate options, since Homesharing staff are trained to carefully screen each program applicant through interviewing, background checking, and personal references. Home seeker and homeowner matches are recommended based on compatibility and preferences stated in the interviews. A successful match offers homesharers the opportunity for companionship, reduced housing cost, and the continuation of an independent lifestyle.
The community is also a beneficiary of our program. Homesharing makes efficient use of existing housing stock, helps preserve the fabric of the neighborhood and, in certain cases, helps to lessen the need for costly chore/care services and long term institutional care.
Apply for Homesharing
If you are a homeowner interested in Homesharing, please review our eligibility criteria (PDF) and complete an application (City | County) (PDF) to participate in the program.
If you are a homeseeker interested in our program, please review our eligibility criteria (PDF) and call the Homesharing office at 410-366-6180 or email rebeccas@stambros.org for more information.
Application interviews screen for compatibility of lifestyles and personalities. In addition, references are contacted and criminal history records are checked with the Maryland Judiciary record. Potential home sharers negotiate their own living arrangements and regular follow-up services are provided.
If the Homesharing program cannot match applicants for eligibility reasons, we attempt to meet housing needs through a combination of St. Ambrose resources and referrals. Applicants will be referred to other community resources when they need assistance in developing life skills, alcohol/drug treatment, etc.
Staff will help refer those who do not meet our eligibility criteria to other social services agencies. Please be aware that we are not equipped to take walk-in clients.
Media Coverage of St. Ambrose Homesharing
- St. Ambrose Homesharing Fills Need on Both Ends, Catholic Review, December 24, 2009
- Homeowners and Those Who Rent Rooms From Them Can Both Benefit, Baltimore Sun, June 7, 2009
- Homeowners Turn to Roommates, Baltimore Sun, March 15, 2009
- Homes at Risk, More Owners Consider Taking in Boarders, New York Times, July 16, 2008
- Older Homeowners Take on Roommates To Make Ends Meet, FOX News, December 1, 2008
More Information for Potential Homesharers
- Ever wondered how adding a homesharer to your household will affect your utility costs? Try BGE's energy calculator, which lets you calculate expected home energy costs based on number of occupants and other characteristics of your home.
- Looking for Homesharing outside of the Baltimore City/County area? Interested in how to do Homesharing on your own? Check the National Shared Housing Resource Center for more information about Homesharing throughout the US.
- Considering Homesharing but want to understand your rights as a home provider or home sharer? The Tenant-Landlord Program at Baltimore Neighborhoods can provide free information about rights and legal issues.
- Facing eviction because your landlord did not pay the mortgage? This brochure has information about tenants' rights when their landlord is facing foreclosure.
