A Match in the Neighborhood–Michael and Sam
Michael’s home had always been the social hub on the street when his son was growing up. But now widowed and at 73, he felt the house was too big for him and his two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Kai and Chester. He was lonely, but at the same time he wanted to stay in his home, while helping someone else by sharing the house.
He applied for a Home Share Match, and found the perfect fit– Sam, 60, whose landlord decided to sell the home he was renting. He had been living alone for a while and liked the idea of sharing a home where he cared about the person he was living with. So, he, too, applied. Michael’s home was just around the corner from where Sam was living and they discovered they knew many of the same people, having lived and worked in the area for decades.
Oddly enough, Sam’s son used to hang out at Michael’s house growing up, and Sam recently worked with Michael’s son. Talk about Kizmat! They were raised a similar way, having fathers who fought in WWII. And the two are homebodies who embrace the simple pleasures in life. It really is a perfect fit.
Michael knowing someone is sharing his home while Sam’s favorite part is just spending time with Michael and the two dogs. They’ll watch TV together or sometimes one of Michael’s friends comes over and they’ll all eat pizza and watch Beatles movies.
On gloomy winter days, Sam likes to listen to Michael play his guitar. Michael’s open-door policy at his home and Sam’s various jobs and contacts made it easy for them to share space and blend together to form a home. It never even occurred to Michael that having someone new move in could be an adjustment. “It’s just been so normal,” Michael said. “Sam is like a brother. It was like a rebirth of the family.”
What is Homesharing?
- Homesharing is a simple ide where two or more people share a home for mutual benefit
- A person offers a private bedroom and shared common space in exchange for rent, help around the home or a combination of the two.
- It differs from a typical room situation because, at it’s core, it is about two people helping eachother.
- No two home sharing arrangements are alike. Each is tailored to the unique needs and interests of people involved.
Partnership To Provide Home Matching and Sharing
Eden Prairie Housing alliance is pleased to announce a partnership with Lutheran
Social Service(LSS) to offer LSS Home Matching Service.
Mary Speer, Manager, Program Development at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
explains: “Our team at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is excited to announce our
new partnership with the Eden Prairie Housing Alliance to strengthen the LSS Home
Matching Service. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in launching the
service, allowing us to reach more individuals who can benefit from safe, affordable
housing options. Together, we are advancing our shared vision of supporting older
adults to age in place and helping address the growing need for affordable housing in
our communities. We are truly energized by this partnership and the positive impact it
will bring.”
Eden Prairie Housing Alliance 