What is home sharing?

Home sharing is a national, evidence-based model that has existed since the 1970s. Home sharing helps match people who are seeking housing with those who provide housing.

HomeShare Durham is free! It costs nothing to home seekers or providers to participate. Please see Eligibility for more details.

Benefits of Home Sharing

• Reduce housing expenses to both parties, including utilities
• Companionship and increased security
• Provides mutual assistance

How does it work?

HomeShare Durham seeks to serve a multicultural, inter-generational population. Both providers and seekers will be screened to make the best match possible. Each match will have the support of a case manager to ensure mutual benefit to home seekers and providers through their agreement.

Home Sharing in Durham

Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA) serves as the sponsoring agency for HomeShare Durham. The HomeShare Steering Committee is responsible for program planning and policies, fundraising, and staff selection and performance goals. HomeShare Durham provides a project manager and a case manager who are responsible for the implementation and management of the program. The program’s goals in the first year is to complete one match per month, increasing over time to provide at least fifty matches per year.

Eligibility for Seekers:

• Below area median income for Durham County (makes less than $80,000/year)

• A student, teacher, healthcare worker, someone who is unhoused, etc.

Eligibility for Provider:

• Have space to share

• Expect to charge $250-700/month (charges and responsibilities are negotiable).

Process for Home Seeker and Provider:

• Submit an application to participate in the program,
• Submit to a background check and provide at least three personal references.
• Attend a “Ready to Rent” class provided by the program.
• Complete a “Quick Match” questionnaire, which includes life-style questions, the answers to which will be used in the matching process.
• Provide information about expectations for payment, handyman services, transportation, pets, access to common areas, and house-keeping arrangements.
• Participate in a match meeting
• Reach agreement and begin two-week trial match.

Applications and more information coming soon. If you have any questions, please call or email DCIA.