IS SHARED HOUSING FOR YOU?

An 85-year-old woman wanted to stay in Bergen County where she had lived her whole life but could no longer afford it on her fixed income. With her housing search nearing a dead end, she sought help from the Shared Housing program, initiated by NCJW and presently run by the Women’s Rights Information Center (WRIC).

The program director interviewed her and asked for references before recommending she share her home with a vetted Englewood woman who was struggling to keep up with all of her monthly bills. Despite a 20-year difference in their ages, the two women bonded quickly.

The Shared Housing program has long been the only non-profit in Bergen County to serve as a matchmaker between overburdened homeowners and home seekers, many of whom have as little as $500 – $700 a month to spend on housing.

The program, open to men and women of any age, helps prospective housemates identify and avoid potential conflicts by completing a detailed housing agreement together.

Homeowners can be reluctant to open their home to someone they don’t know even if they are finding it difficult to get by on their own. Shared Housing staff will guide clients before and during the time they are living together.

So:

1. Would you like extra income?
2. Could you use help with household chores?
3. Would you enjoy congenial companionship?

WRIC provides formal guidance and support needed for such arrangements to be successful.

For inquiries, call WRIC at 201-568-1166 or www.womensrights.org/sharedhousing.