Homesharing is a free, award-winning, shared housing program facilitating compatible matches between prospective housemates in Chicago's northern suburbs. Roommates are introduced to each other after interviews with the Interfaith Housing Center's trained staff.
Since 1985, our Homesharing Program has provided personalized, confidential services that have your interests at heart. Our staff works with you to find the right match, and remains involved to assist as needed.
** Watch our Homesharing video completed by Interfaith in May 2007 (6 minutes, 41 seconds), featuring four north suburban Chicago residents assisted by Homesharing:
In addition, Chicagoland Cable Television's 3-minute news video that demonstrates how people earning low or modest wages and homeowners struggling with large mortgages are turning to Homesharing to help them cope with rising housing costs. Aired August 4, 2008
** Listen to this short public service announcement (PSA in MP3 format) developed by Interfaith for more information. You may also download these to share with your local organizations, employees, municipalities, congregations, families, and neighbors: Homesharing PSA .
* Congregations, businesses, organizations, and government agencies can also download this short blurb for their newsletters or bulletins to reach out to local residents or workers who could benefit from Homesharing.
* Check out other press articles on Homesharing in Chicago's northern suburbs.
Homesharing Serves People Like You
Housing providers and seekers can be retired, working, married, single, students, single parents — almost anyone who is interested in sharing a home.
A Homesharing connection is a “win-win” situation:
Savings: Homeowners find that rental income can make a difference. Renters find that Homesharing is an affordable housing option.
Flexibility: Homesharing matches provide long-term, short-term (i.e., month-to-month) rentals. It is ideal for care givers, traveling nurses, and medical residents relocating to work at Chicago’s north suburban hospitals. Homesharing offers short- or long-term affordable rents near Highland Park Hospital, St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Evanston Hospital, Rush-North Shore Medical Center, and Lutheran General. Graduate students find affordable shared housing conveniently located near public transportation. From business relocatees to temporary interns to modestly paid workers, individuals find Homesharing an answer to their affordable and customized housing needs.
Companionship: Homesharing partners often share anything from household chores to after-dinner conversation.
Security: More than one person in a home can increase a feeling of safety.
Examples of Winning Matches
Glenview: A 45-year-old recently divorced teacher needed to supplement her income. She wanted to share her home with someone who could share her interest in education and in gardening. She was matched with a 50-year-old substitute teacher who needed affordable housing near her employment. Rent is $450.
Skokie: A 62-year-old woman on a fixed income wanted to rent a room in her home to pay for living expenses. She also needed help with snow removal. A 35-year-old graduate student needed housing near his university classes. He was happy to be living in a house instead of student housing. Rent is $400.
Evanston: An 82-year-old woman needed additional income and she was lonely. She liked the security of someone being in the house at night. She was matched with a 35-year-old female business intern who needed affordable, safe, short-term housing near her employment. Rent is $375.
Send e-mail or call our staff (847-501-5732, ext. 401) to find out if Homesharing could work for you. Our trained staff interviews every participant and checks references and histories.
The Interfaith Housing Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age or other factors when providing services. All our services are free and confidential.
