The shared economy continues to grow – from transportation and now to housing. In ALA’s Shared Housing program, ALA matches two or more unrelated people to share a home in exchange for rent or services such as cleaning or cooking. Roommate arrangements for the baby boomer generation and beyond have grown in popularity as they offer financial benefits and shared resources. In Los Angeles, where there is a shortage of affordable housing, shared housing offers an array of benefits for both the housing provider and the seeker.
Housing Providers are homeowners or renters (typically older adults) who want to share their homes, and have at least one available bedroom. Housing Providers join the program to share their homes with compatible, pre-screened Housing Seekers who can pay a monthly rent for the available room, offer assistance with household chores, or both. Housing Providers must be mentally, emotionally, physically and financially self-sufficient. Currently, the average age of our housing providers is 75.
Housing Seekers are adults of all ages who may not wish to live alone or cannot afford to do so. They may be retired, employed, or students. They must be mentally, emotionally, physically and financially self-sufficient. Currently, the average age of our Housing Seekers is 65.
ALA acts as an intermediary to screen both providers and seekers, match compatible roommates, execute a roommate agreement and monitor ongoing matches. This program is growing in popularity and the average match lasts 2.5 years.
