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The HomeShare Alliance

To address the challenge that so many women in our region face in finding affordable housing, Home of the Sparrow is proud to operate The HomeShare Alliance in partnership with the YWCA of Chester County. The program matches low income women in need of homes with home providers who are able to share their homes at an affordable cost.

Who Can HomeShare?

• Home providers who live in Chester County.
• Home seekers who live in Chester County or are willing to move to the county.
• Home providers who own or rent a home, have a suitable private bedroom and are willing to share the rest of their home.
• Home seekers who are looking for a place to live, who are physically and emotionally able to live independently, and who are willing to share a home.
• Individuals or heads of households who are 18 years or older.

How Does HomeShare Work?

We conduct initial phone interviews and ask seekers and providers to complete an application form. We make site visits to all potential home providers. To ensure safety, we require criminal background checks, as well as child abuse clearances (if applicable) for all applicants . Once applications are complete, we match those home providers and home seekers who have similar needs and preferences. Strict confidentiality is maintained-only first names and phone numbers are exchanged with our screened clients. Home providers and home seekers agree mutually to share a home. After matches are made, we maintain regular contact to help facilitate the match.

Who Can Benefit?

• Individuals who want a more affordable housing option.
• Individuals who need extra income to keep their homes or would like the security of another person living with them.
• Individuals who need someone to live with them and provide services to help them maintain their home.
• Individuals who want to help others and are willing to share their home.

For more information, contact Matrie Johnson, HomeShare Coordinator at 610-647-5256.