Apply at the links further down this page, but first:
Don't waste your time, know what you're getting into! Read "How It Works" and check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
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As of 3/4/24, we have paused taking on new Host clients due to a total loss of funding, until we find additional funding and/or Volunteer Matchmakers.
1. Apply
2. Interview/Screen
As soon as you apply, we'll be in touch right away to arrange an in-person interview at your home, and usually also to take photos of your home for your advertisement. ~ 2 hour time commitment
Our background checks will require your Social Security Number (or ITIN) and your drivers' license/State ID.
3. Matchmaking
We write, post, and manage inquiries to an advertisement on your behalf. We post it across a variety of channels, while protecting your privacy at all times.
We contact you about each vetted Guest candidate that could be a match for you. When you agree to meet with a Guest, we make the introduction in person at your home, break the ice, and make sure all bases are covered.
4. Draft an Agreement
We, you, and your match work together on a "Living Together Agreement," which will be made binding as part of the rental agreement or sub-lease. We will help tweak it at any time.
5. Trial Match (optional)
You may choose to ask that before signing anything, the Guest moves in for a trial match of up to two-weeks, bringing just their "road trip stuff."
The Guest pays no rent to you during this time because under the trial period, you may decline the match and ask the Guest to leave with only a day or two's notice.
6. Support
Once the match is made and the rental contract with Living Together Agreement is finalized, HomeShare American River is on the hook to support the match over its whole life.
We check-in with you and your Guest after the first two weeks, then monthly, and then every two months for the life of the match (whether by phone/video call and/or in-person).
Other must-know info
We do NOT help clients discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or citizenship. As soon as you ask us to do so, we can no longer work with you, so don't.
That's part of why we match folks up based on the specifics of who they are and what they're looking for... so that no one has to be disappointed by vague, misleading labels and categories.
Unfortunately, couples and families should be advised that we have never yet managed to match more than one person to one room.
We don't facilitate short-term rentals. Most of our matches are on a monthly rental contract, but we ask that all parties intend for the match to last for at least one year.
If I ask you for "the secret password," the answer is "brown M&M's."
Frequently
Frequently
Asked
Asked
Questions
Questions
Who's eligible to apply?
Who's eligible to apply?
We welcome applications for matches in any home of any kind within a one-hour drive of Roseville.
We only have one eligibility requirement: that we would be glad to match you up with our own mothers. "Gray zone" items (e.g; health, criminal, financial) are ones that come up with clients that aren't dealbreakers, but that we would want our own mothers to know about before deciding on a match. We would never disclose such information ourselves, but instead we require that all clients disclose the "gray zone" items we flag to their potential match before any agreement is made.
How much does this cost?
How much does this cost?
Nothing to you, ever! We're entirely funded by the Area 4 Agency on Aging (even though some of our matches don't involve a senior at all). In fact, matched Hosts and Guests save money by splitting utilities, or even subscriptions, transportation, groceries, or whatever else you establish in your Living Together Agreement.
What about COVID?
What about COVID?
We gladly accommodate requests to conduct business remotely, however feasible.
We also help Hosts and Guests agree on reasonable COVID rules they can both live by (vaccination preferences, just-in-case quarantine plans, etc.).
Note: Although we don't require COVID vaccination and booster, almost all of our Hosts do.
How long does it take to find a match?
How long does it take to find a match?
It depends on how particular your needs/abilities are (e.g; desired rent, pets), how many other Hosts we're working with (more is better for you, actually!), and dumb luck.
What if one or both of us want to end the match?
What if one or both of us want to end the match?
Our template rental contract makes it clear how matches end, and we can help facilitate move-outs to some degree. We use why the match didn't work to re-match folks successfully... as long as they held themselves as good as their word.
What services can people exchange?
What services can people exchange?
So many! Things you take for granted doing every day may be out of reach to others (literally!). You don't have to be an IT expert to open up the Internet to someone for the first time. You don't have to be a therapist to make someone feel heard. And don't forget that Hosts can provide services to Guests, too!
While we don't get involved in medical care (e.g; meds management), we are happy to work with In-Home Supportive Services recipients and providers to augment and support their relationship.
What does your background check include?
What does your background check include?
credit report
previous address history
bad checks
CA evictions
nationwide/Federal criminal, sex offender, terrorist search
And we pay for it!
Will I be safe sharing a home?
Will I be safe sharing a home?
Historically, homesharing has been remarkably safe. And homesharers usually report that living with another person actually makes them feel safer in their home than living alone.
Thanks for reading!
Application options:
Apply online (for fastest response):
To protect your privacy, none of your personal identifying information will be shared with any potential matches until you both agree to be introduced to each other.
There's a lot of questions here, because you deserve to be fully heard about what you need and want in a homeshare.
So take your time, go with the flow, and if you hit a snag, no worries! We'll clarify everything in your follow-up interview, which we'll schedule shortly after receiving your application.
If you'd like any help or clarifications, or if you need accommodation to apply entirely by phone, just let us know.
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