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Homeshare SA
HOUSEHOLDERS
More and more women in Australia are facing housing stress later in life. It's a quiet crisis affecting thousands of women over 55 - who may have done everything "right" and yet find themselves without a safe, secure place to call home.
But here's the great part: women supporting women can be part of the solution. There are countless homes with rooms sitting quietly, waiting - not for a tenant, but for connection, conversation and companionship.
If you have a home of your own and an extra bedroom, you could help change another woman's life - and perhaps your own - through Homeshare. Homeshare gently connects two women in similar life stages - both seeking companionship. mutual support, and a sense of home.
It's not about renting out a room. It's about welcoming someone in.
Could this be you?
You’re a woman aged 55+, living alone with space to share. You value your independence, but you also know the warmth that comes from connection and community. You’d feel good knowing your home is helping another woman feel safe - and you may even find comfort and joy in sharing meals, laughs, or a cuppa from time to time.
Together, you can build a living arrangement based on companionship, security, and mutual respect - all on your terms. Household bills and utilities are shared, as well as household tasks, creating a fair and sustainable way to live well together. Depending on mutual needs, your new companion might also lend a hand with extra tasks. Expectations are clear and transparent, and communicated into a co-created Homeshare agreement.
If this speaks to you, we invite you to reach out and learn more.
Because when women come together, homes become havens.
COMPANIONSHIP
SECURITY
MUTUAL SUPPORT
Homesharing has many benefits, enabling you to enjoy your time in your home with the company of another
- Companionship and mutual support - having a homesharer can reduce loneliness and isolation by providing regular social interaction
- Help around the home - homesharers typically assist with light household tasks making daily life easier
- Increased security and peace of mind - knowing someone trusted is in the home can provide a sense of safety
- Independence and staying at home longer - with a little extra support, maintain independence reducing the need for assisted living options
- Meaningful connection and shared experiences - sharing meals, stories and some hobbies can lead to a fulfilling and enriched life experience
- Safeguarded process - thorough matching process includes interviews, facilitated introductions, referee and police checks and the support of a Homeshare Coordinator
What is Homeshare?
Homeshare is a voluntary service built on a relationship of mutual support. Homeshare programs connect homeowners (Householders) with extra space in their homes to individuals seeking affordable housing (Homesharers). By creating a mutually beneficial arrangement, Householders receive light assistance around the house and companionship, while Homesharers gain access to a secure budget-friendly living arrangement.
Who are the Householders and Homesharers?
For our Homeshare Pilot Program, we carefully match female Householders aged 55+ living on their own with female Homesharers from a similar age group. Women helping women! Each Homesharer and Householder is thoroughly vetted through interviews, reference checks, and police clearances to ensure a safe and reliable match.
What Homeshare is not
- Crisis or supported accommodation
- A tenancy agreement
- Personal care
Common Questions and Queries
This project is a partnership between St Vincent de Paul Society SA, Westside Housing and Shelter SA, under the guidance of peak body HANZA and with the support of a Homeshare Coordinator.
Homesharers contribute by offering light practical support around the home. This may include sharing meals, cleaning, gardening, shopping, pet care, and providing companionship and mutual support.
Householders and Homesharers are paired based on compatible personalities, interests, routines, and needs. With support from our Homeshare Coordinator, they take time to get to know each other before deciding to proceed with a Homeshare arrangement.
We will create a clear tailored agreement outlining the details of your arrangement. Trial periods and termination processes are outlined here.
There is no rent, but utility expenses are shared. You will use your own mobile phone and data unless otherwise arranged in the agreement. Currently there are no registration or matching fees for Householders or Homesharer. A fee structure may be introduced in the future but this will be considered after the pilot program, and based on the ability to pay.
Some Householders may allow pets, however this is something discussed in the interview process.
Each Homesharer is thoroughly vetted through interviews, police clearances and referee checks to ensure a safe and reliable match. Meetings are facilitated by the Homeshare Coordinator and potential matches can meet as many times as they like to see if they are a suitable fit.
We tailor Homeshare to suit individual needs, matching Homesharers and Householders based on what works best for them. Most Homesharers live in the home 7 days a week, and nights and weekends away can be arranged.
The suburbs will depend on the pool of householders and where they reside in South Australia.
Check out the link to the ABC article, and view a recent Homeshare success story.
This pilot program currently funded until 31st December 2025. If funding is extended beyond this date, the Householder and Homesharer may choose to extend and a new agreement can be drawn up to reflect a new end date. If the funding is not extended, both parties may choose to continue the living arrangement independently, under a mutually agreed separate agreement, without any further obligation to the terms of their Homeshare Agreement.
Get in touch
For the pilot program we are only taking expressions of interest from Householders that are homeowners (not renters).
To register your interest in the program as a Householder, or if you have a query, please use the form below.
REGISTER YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST AS A HOUSEHOLDER
If you're wanting to share with a Householder (eg: require accommodation) go to: https://www.vinnies.org.au/sa/find-help/homeshare.
Please note, Homeshare is not a crisis accommodation service. If you require emergency housing you may find some resources here through the listed homelessness service providers.
Homeshare is a partnership between St Vincent de Paul Society SA, Westside Housing and Shelter SA, working together to create meaningful, supportive living arrangements for older women.
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