ElderHelp’s HomeShare program needs rooms, renters

Do you have an extra bedroom in your home and looking to make some money? Are you looking for an affordable room to rent? ElderHelp officials would like to help.

They are especially interested in getting more rooms for rent in Rancho Bernardo, which can also help elderly Rancho Bernadans stay in their homes longer, said Shanika Webb, HomeShare coordinator in San Diego.

ElderHelp facilitates HomeShare, a unique program in the cities of San Diego and Poway funded by the City of Poway through the community development block grants fund in partnership with the County of San Diego and the San Diego Housing Commission.

HomeShare is not just a roommate matching service, according to officials, because it helps seniors stay in their homes while assisting those of all ages find a place to live. While any adult can apply for the program, Webb said in each match at least one of the parties is over the age of 55.

The elderly are assisted in multiple ways. Those who have a home, but would like some extra income or help around the house with light tasks can rent out one or more bedrooms and share their homes’ common areas, like the kitchen. Officials said seniors gain security by having peace of mind that they are not the only ones in the home; they gain companionship; and depending on the rental agreement, earn extra money, have someone to do their errands and other tasks around the house in lieu of paid rent, or a combination of both.

The program is not limited to those living alone either, Webb said.

“We have quite a few couples, usually on the home provider side who are looking for the extra support (around their home) or the income,” she said. “If a (couple is the) renter it is tougher to find a match because (homeowners) are not as willing to welcome couples into their home, so they’re tougher to accommodate.”

She said some homeowners with multiple empty bedrooms are willing to have two or three renters at the same time, but the matches can be a bit trickier since everyone needs to get along.

Webb said many homeowners request a renter of the same gender, but some are open to the opposite. Typically elderly women prefer to rent a room to another older woman, she added.

Homeowners do not have to be elderly, Webb said, adding sometimes empty nesters, baby boomers and young couples are willing to rent out a room for the extra income.

ElderHelp facilitates the matches by providing a free, comprehensive process that includes intake, assessment, registration and screening of home providers and seekers. The process is conducted by trained housing social workers. In addition to the initial screening — which includes a criminal background check — they also help with housing agreements and providing mediation and support if sought.

Webb said there is no time restriction on the matches, though usually rental agreements are on a month-to-month basis, with a 30- or 60-day termination notice.

“Some are looking for long term and have been matched for 10-plus years, others for only two to six months,” Webb said.

She said the program, in existence for at least 20 years, is doing well in Poway, with a few dozen actively matched pairs and some homeowners waiting for a roommate.

Among Rancho Bernardo and other city neighborhoods sharing its 92127 and 92128 ZIP codes there are only three homes even though RB is a highly requested area.

4S Ranch homes are not eligible since they are not in the City of San Diego, even though 4S Ranch shares the 92127 ZIP code with Rancho Bernardo, Del Sur and Santaluz. Those are within city limits while 4S Ranch is in the unincorporated county.

To apply as a home provider or room renter within the City of San Diego, contact Shanika Webb at 619-284-9281. Those in Poway can contact Sunita Upchurch at 858-748-9675.

For more details on ElderHelp’s HomeShare program, go to www.elderhelpofsandiego.org.