Pilot program to provide senior housing

Carbon County is hoping a new pilot program that aims to pair senior citizens and those with disabilities with younger individuals in need of housing will help address the lack of affordable housing for seniors in the county.

On Thursday, the county commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between the state Department of Aging and Carbon County Area Agency on Aging to administer a Shared Housing and Resource Exchange, known as SHARE. The pilot program aims to match individuals to share housing and address the increasing need of affordable housing options for seniors and those with disabilities.

The budget for the SHARE program totals $144,505, and will continue through Sept. 30 for the first year, with options to continue the program after that.

In addition, the board entered into an agreement with Diana T. Myers and Associates Inc. to provide training for a SHARE counselor and technical assistance on various aspects of the program’s planning and implementation. The cost for Myers’ services will be $125 per consulting hour and $30 per hour for travel time, plus any other fees, up to $35,600.

“While we’re focusing initially on seniors and those with disabilities, this program does allow us to further extend collaboration activity to veterans or those who are at risk of homelessness, which ties into the establishment of the homeless task force,” Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said.

He used the example for this program as subletting a home after two people of equal interests and goals are matched.

According to the state Department of Aging, “SHARE is an affordable housing choice that brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of both. The home seeker receives their own bedroom and agreed upon use of the common areas.”

Each match is unique and is based on the needs, preferences and abilities of the two individuals who are paired by a counselor after thorough background checks, interviews, written homesharing agreements and common goals for the new living arrangement.

“It’s all aimed at keeping our elderly citizens in their home environment,” Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner noted that this pilot program is already in place in surrounding counties and has been showing that it works to serve the needs of the elderly and those in need of affordable housing.

“It’s a very good program,” he said, pointing out that this may help someone who is heading in the direction of becoming homeless, while also serving the needs of the elderly population who want to remain in their homes, but are finding it hard to afford.

Any older individual, person with disabilities, veterans, working professionals, college students, people at risk for homelessness, single parents or people simply wishing to share their lives and homes with others are eligible for the program.

For more information or to sign up to get on the list for the SHARE program, call the Carbon County Area Agency on Aging at 800-441-1315.