Opening the door to ageing well.
The Hollyburn Society’s home sharing program connects older adults on the North Shore who want to explore safe, supported home sharing.
THE BASICS
What is home sharing?
Home sharing brings together a Home Owner with a private room to share and a Home Seeker looking for an affordable place to live. Each person has their own private space, while sharing parts of the home such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living areas. Hidden Housing Solutions supports the process through screening, matching, introductions, and ongoing check-ins.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
A Partnership in Aging
Hidden Housing Solutions is not an intergenerational home sharing model. It is designed for older adults in a similar stage of life who want to share a home in a way that offers both independence and mutual support. This is not about looking after each other, it is about looking out for one another.
WHAT WE OFFER
A different way to share your home
Hidden Housing Solutions offers a supported alternative to the private rental market. Rather than leaving you to work out shared-living expectations alone, we help guide the process from the first conversation and throughout the home share.
Free to participate
There is no fee to apply, be matched, or receive program support.
Help with the hard parts
Instead of searching through listings, contacting strangers and arranging viewings alone, participants are guided throughout the process, with support on hand if issues arise.
Designed for longevity
This is about more than simply filling a room. We look at compatibility, routines, shared spaces, affordability, and expectations, helping potential matches start from a stronger foundation.
Who can take part?
Click the card below which best describes you, to see whether the program could be a fit.
Home Owner
Check eligibility requirements
Home Owner eligibility
- Aged 55+
- Own your home on the North Shore
- Have a private bedroom available
- Can live independently, with any supports already in place
- Comfortable sharing a kitchen and/or bathroom
- Understand the monthly contribution may be below market rent
- Can provide references, ID and complete program screening
Home Seeker
Check eligibility requirements
Home Seeker eligibility
- Are aged 55+
- Live on, or are hoping to live on, the North Shore
- Can live independently, with any supports already in place
- Are comfortable sharing a kitchen and/or bathroom
- Are open to living in someone else’s home
- Can provide references, ID, and complete program screening
A GROWING NEED
Why home sharing matters
Home sharing offers a practical, community-based way to make better use of existing homes while supporting independence, affordability and connection.
1 in 3
bedrooms across Canada are unused.
(Census Mapper, 2016)
of homes on the North Shore of Vancouver are single person households.
(Stats Can, 2021).
of Canadians aged 65+ reported experiencing loneliness.
(Canadian Health Survey on Seniors, 2019/2020)
How home sharing works
1
Express Interest
Complete an application form and speak with our coordinator about your preferences, routines and expectations around shared living.
2
Screening & Matching
We carefully screen participants and identify potential matches based on lifestyle compatibility, communication style, location, and shared expectations.
3
Ongoing Support
Once a match is agreed upon, we support the move-in process and continue checking in to help you feel comfortable, supported, and connected.
Your Safety is
Our Priority.
Careful screening
We get to know each participant through conversations, references and background checks before a match is considered.
Trial period
A trial period gives everyone time to see how the arrangement is working before making a longer-term commitment.
Clear agreements
Before move-in, we help both people talk through privacy, routines, shared spaces, and household expectations.
Ongoing support
We stay connected after move-in with regular check-ins and support if questions or concerns come up.
MORE THAN JUST HOUSING
What home sharing offers
More options as you age
Home sharing offers another way to remain independent while keeping your own space, routines and sense of choice.
Added peace of mind
Having someone else in the home may help you and your loved ones feel more secure and confident in day-to-day life.
Practical help at home
Home sharing offers another way to remain independent while aging, helping make everyday life feel a little more manageable – from picking up groceries to watering the plants.
Everyday connection
Home sharing is about more than sharing a space. It can create moments of connection – over a morning coffee, a share meal or a check-in after a long day.
Financial relief
Home sharing can ease some of the financial stress that can come with maintaining a home as we age or keeping up with rising living costs.
It feels wrong to have my house empty when there are many without a home.
– Participant, Housing Solutions Lab
Find the path that is right for you
Earn extra income, remain independent and help someone find an affordable home.
Find affordable, screened shared living with companionship and ongoing support.
Explore safe options for your loved one to continue living independently in the community they love.
Explore more
BEFORE TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Learn more
This guide walks through the program in more detail, including eligibility, screening, matching, financial contribution, agreements and support. It can help you decide whether you’d like to request a callback.