SHARE - Shared Housing and Resource Exchange
Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) is an affordable housing choice that brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both. The home seeker receives their own bedroom and agreed upon use of the common areas. Every arrangement is unique depending on the needs, preferences, and abilities of the participants involved. SHARE is currently available in Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Crawford, Union, Snyder, and Carbon counties.
PDA recently announced the addition of Bucks, Lackawanna, Montgomery, Northumberland and Philadelphia to the counties offering the program. Read the announcement.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) has launched its first-ever marketing campaign to promote its Shared Housing and Resource Exchange Program, also known as SHARE.
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The campaign uses animation and light-hearted scenarios to describe the contributions that both parties bring to a shared housing arrangement, and how they each benefit. In "Banana Bread," Bonnie, an older adult who makes great banana bread and has a dog, gets matched up through the SHARE program with Kylie, who happens to love banana bread and dogs. Bonnie's able to stay in her home, and Kylie can afford to go back to school. In "Lawn King," Gary and Glenda love their large yard and their lawn gnomes, but need some extra help with yard work – which they find from Josh.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people of all ages to think differently about how a home-sharing arrangement could work for them, to learn more about the program and the matching process.
Listen to Banana Bread Radio 
Listen to Lawn King Radio
Why share a home?
Some people like the idea of having another person around the house. Others are looking for an affordable place to live or a way to supplement their income in order to meet household expenses. In some cases, it enables the older adult to remain in their home and community.
Homesharing offers the homeowner:
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Income to help with expenses
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A responsible tenant
Homesharing offers the home seeker:
- A private bedroom with agreed upon, shared common spaces
- Affordable rent
Homesharing may offer participants help with household tasks or other agreed upon services. It may also offer the home seeker reduced rent in exchange for services.
How does SHARE work?
A homeowner and home seeker meet separately with the SHARE Housing Counselor to discuss needs and preferences, complete the application, and provide references.
The SHARE Housing Counselor will:
- Conduct reference and background checks
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Identify potential home share matches
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Introduce the homeowners and home seekers
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Coordinate the written homesharing agreement
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Oversee trial living periods
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Provide ongoing support during the term of the agreement
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Connect the participants to other community resources.
Who is eligible?
Older adults, persons with disabilities, veterans, working professionals, college students, individuals at-risk of homelessness, single-parents, or people simply wishing to share their lives and homes with others. SHARE participants must be at least 18 years of age and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60.
Accordion
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionSHARE Housing
Availability
Available Hosts:
Fallsington – Female Host with a furnished room to share. One story home, shared kitchen and living room. One full bathroom. Sharer's bedroom has sliding glass doors out to a small patio. Home has washer and dryer, a/c, and off-street parking. Home is in a 55+ community, but sharer does not need to be 55. There is a fitness center in the community clubhouse. Host is a non-smoker and very casual drinker, looking for the same. Host would like rent, help with household chores, and companionship as a resource exchange. Home is located along public transit route.
Feasterville-Trevose – Female Host with a furnished room to share. One story home, shared kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Home has washer and dryer, a/c, and off-street parking. Host has a car that she cannot drive, and she would like someone to drive her to appointments as a part of the resource exchange. Host is also willing to let sharer use vehicle for personal use. Host is disabled and uses oxygen 24/7, so non-smokers only. Host would also like a non-drinker. Home is a single story, and there is a zero-step entry along with a wheelchair ramp. There are no pets in the home and no pets allowed.
Fairless Hills – Female host, works fulltime. Has a single-family home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Sharer would have use of living room and dining room. Sharer may use kitchen to cook but may not use kitchen fridge. Host has a fully furnished bedroom located upstairs. This comes with its own private bathroom, a mini fridge and a microwave in the room. Host would like sharer to use laundromat for washing and drying their clothes.
For Bucks County, please contact Shannon Walsh at 215-303-2102 or c-swalshA@buckscounty.org if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Palmerton/Parryville Area – Sharer wanted. One room available on second floor, shared bathroom and common areas. Responsible drinking ok. Overnight guests upon approval. Smoking and pets prohibited. Looking for assistance with household cleaning and basic upkeep of property. Will need own transportation.
Palmerton Area – Sharer wanted, One room available with shared bathroom and common areas. No pets. Responsible drinking ok. Overnight guests upon approval. Home is located in a rural area, will be able to utilize public transportation.
Kunkletown/Blue Mountain Area – Sharer wanted one-bedroom, semiprivate bathroom and common areas in a mobile home community. Looking for companionship, and assistance with household cooking and cleaning.
Lehighton Area – Sharers wanted, prefers 60 and older. Small dog ok if home sharer is a responsible pet owner. Looking for assistance with basic household upkeep. Watering plants, snow shoveling and lawn mowing. Has two available units, large furnished rooms. Has a backyard and laundry on premises. Within walking distance to most amenities and transportation.
Jim Thorpe Area – Sharer wanted, has to be 60 and older to meet program eligibility. No pets. Will have two available units with private bath. Furnished room with microwave, small fridge and coffee maker provided. Within walking distance to most amenities and transportation. The two available units are at a Bed and Breakfast, sharers will need to be ok with seeing guests at times in the home.
For Carbon County, please call Kellie Cummings, SHARE Housing Counselor at 570-249-1159 or email kcummingssharecoordinator@ptd.net if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Meadville area – Female, has a cat, prefer no additional animals, looking for someone neat and willing to assist with outdoor chores, male or female must be able to climb 13 steps to furnished room with a private bath, no smoking or alcohol use, close to bus stop, off street parking.
Meadville area – Female, prefers no pets, split entry home with large room in lower level can be made into a bedroom/sitting area. Sharer would need a bed; other items are furnished. Half bath on lower level and laundry. Host looking for assistance with laundry and carrying groceries upstairs. No smoking, is ok with responsible alcohol use, is close to bus stop, garage parking if sharer has a car.
Meadville area – Female, prefers no dogs, no smoking, is ok with responsible alcohol use, looking for a 60+ sharer, townhouse, with a 2nd floor bedroom and “bonus” room available, shared bath, laundry is available, close to bus stop, parking is available if sharer has a car.
Meadville area – Female, prefers no pets, no smoking no alcohol, Bedroom furnished but if sharer has own furnishings, will empty. Bedroom is upstairs with a private bath, main level kitchen and laundry. Home is close to town and a car is a must, with paved drive and covered parking.
Meadville area – Female, no pets, no smoker, second floor furnished set-up with private bath/laundry, enjoys movies and jigsaw puzzles, close to town but sharer would need a car, off street parking.
Meadville near downtown – Husband and wife hosts, have 2 cats prefer no additional animals, male or female sharer, second floor furnished bedroom with shared bath. No smoking, is ok with responsible alcohol use. Home is on the bus route, off street parking.
Saegertown – Female, would consider outdoor smoker, has a kitten, looking for a male or female that can assist with outdoor chores and maintenance, furnished room second floor, shared bath. Enjoys outdoors, movies. Within walking distance of a bus stop, grocery shopping, off street parking.
Saegertown Area – Female, furnished main floor bedroom, with shared bath. Laundry available. No smoking, no alcohol, no overnight guests. Prefers no pets. Country location but close to town. Sharer would need transportation.
Conneaut Lake – Male, smoker, has a dog, looking for a sharer who is willing to assist with rental home maintenance, would prefer no pets, no alcohol. Furnished room, shared bath. Within walking distance of downtown Conneaut Lake, off street parking. Willing to negotiate rent in exchange for work.
Conneaut Lake Area – Male, prefers no pets and no smoking, male or female sharer. Furnished room with shared bath, washer and dryer are available, Four steps to enter, bedroom on main floor. Sharer would need a car home is not within walking distance to any amenities.
Espyville – Male, would consider an outdoor smoker, no pets, any age, mobile home 5 steps to enter, furnished room, enjoys fishing and being outdoors, remote location, sharer would need a car.
Linesville area – Female, looking for a sharer, ranch home with furnished bedroom and shared bathroom, has a small dog, prefers no smoking, no alcohol use. Remote location would need a car, off street parking. Enjoys sitting on the porch and attending activities at the Lakeland Senior Center.
Linesville area – Female, large 2 story farmhouse, loft bedroom off the kitchen 15 steps, shared bathroom. No smoking or alcohol, Christian home. Sharer must love cats and dogs and be willing to live in a remote location, must have a car.
Centerville area – Female, mobile home, looking for a sharer, 3 steps to enter, private bath, laundry. Host has 2 small dogs, prefers no additional animals. Host enjoys flower gardens, bird watching and movies. Smoking/alcohol use in moderation. Remote location, host is willing to assist with basic transportation.
Centerville area – Male, large 2 story farmhouse, Second floor bedroom and private bath, laundry in basement. The host has a cat, no additional animals. Smoking/alcohol use in moderation. Sharer must be willing to help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Remote location sharer would need a car, host is willing to transport to appointments if necessary. Service exchange may be negotiated.
Springboro – Female, Cape Cod, with second floor bedroom, shared first floor bath. Christian home, no smoking, no drinking, host has a small dog. Due to location a car is a must, (one mile out of Springboro). Host would be willing to negotiate with a resource exchange for assistance with outdoor chores.
For Crawford County, please contact Gwen Smith at 814-336-1792 Ext. 165 or gsmith@activeaging.org if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Saylorsburg Area – Home Host looking for Sharer 18 years or older. One room available with private bath. Small dog ok, no cats. Disabled and looking for assistance with housework. Ready end of October 2023.
Arrow Lake Area – Home Host looking for Sharer 60 years and older. No smoking, no drinking. One-bedroom, shared bath.
Long Pond Area – Home Host looking for Sharer. One-bedroom, private bath. Small Dog ok – no cats. Disabled and looking for rent and assistance with housework. Very rural area. Homeowner needs help driving – he has vehicles.
Saylorsburg Area – Home Host looking for Sharer. One-bedroom, private bath, living space. No pets. Able to walk to restaurants, grocery store, churches. Looking for rent and help with chores.
East Stroudsburg Area – Home Host looking for Sharer 60 years or older. One room available with private bath. No pets. Home Host has a cat and small dog. Looking for assistance with rent.
Stroudsburg Area – Home Host looking for Sharer. One-bedroom, private bath. No pets. Looking for help with rent.
Pocono Summit Lake – Home Host looking for Sharer. One-bedroom, private bath. Help with household chores and some rent. No pets. Home Host has 2 parakeets.
East Stroudsburg/Marshalls Creek – Couple, looking for Sharer, 18 years or older. Has 3 bedrooms available, one bedroom is handicapped accessible. Needs help with rent. No pets. Home Host has one cat and 3 dogs.
East Stroudsburg/Marshalls Creek – Couple, looking for Sharer, 18 years or older. Has 3 bedrooms available. Second Floor is handicapped accessible. Beautiful garden view. No pets.
For Monroe County, please contact Kelly Foley at 570-832-0538 or kfoley@pikepa.org if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Bethlehem – Female dog owner, willing to live with other pets except cats, looking for someone personable, clean, relatively quiet. Must assist with indoor chores, yard work, and snow shoveling. Has furnished room, or a furnished basement if renter is willing to touch it up. Parking available. Non-smokers only.
Easton area – Female, has a cat, prefers no additional pets, looking for someone who is neat, quiet, respectful, can assist with yard work and ready to shovel snow if that time comes. Must be able to climb stairs. Room is on 2nd floor with private bathroom. Close to buses and major shopping areas. Street parking available. Non-smokers only.
Please contact Alberto Martinez at (484) 894-2961 or alberto@LVactivelife.org if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Snydertown – Female Host seeks sharer. Furnished 2nd floor bedroom available. Chairlift to 2nd floor if needed. There is a shared bathroom, yard, laundry in home, window A/C, cable, internet, and parking. Located in the country. Host is a non-smoker but will allow an outdoor smoker. Host has 1 cat and will not accept other pets. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
Coal Township – Male Host seeks for a sharer. House has a 2 partially furnished 2nd floor bedrooms with attic storage available. There is a private bathroom, yard, laundry in home, window A/C allowed internet and parking. Attic storage available. Host is a non-smoker but will allow an outdoor smoker. Host is a casual drinker. Host has 2 dogs and will not accept other pets. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
Coal Township – Male Host seeks a sharer. Home has 1st floor, furnished bedroom with private entrance. There is a private bathroom, yard, laundry in home, window A/C allowed, internet, cable, parking. Host able to provide transportation if needed. Located within walking distance of churches, stores, post office and restaurants. Host has 1 cat and 1 dog and will allow other pets. Host smokes indoors and will allow a smoker. Host is a casual drinker.,Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
Milton – Female Host seeks a sharer. House has 2 furnished bedrooms with 1 floor living. There is a shared bathroom, yard, patio, window A/C allowed, cable, and parking. Internet hook-up allowed. Located within walking distance of churches, stores, post office and restaurants. Host has 3 cats, and no other pets are allowed. Host does not smoker. Host is a casual drinker. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
For Northumberland County, please contact Dea Schader at (570) 524-2100 Ext. 1013 or email
dschader@usaaa17.org for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Tamiment – Female Host seeking nonsmoker. Small dog and casual alcohol permitted.
Milford (Gold Key Est.) – Male Host with a current female Sharer. Indoor smoking and cats prohibited. Outdoor smoking, alcohol and possible small dog permitted.
Milford (Gold Key) – Female Host help with transportation, yardwork, and housework. Outdoor smoking, dog and alcohol permitted. Home is on a lake. Little rent.
Lords Valley (Hemlock Farms) – Male Host with a current female Sharer. Smoking, alcohol, and pets permitted. Host smokes indoors and has a dog and two cats.
Milford (Gold Key) – Female Host. Pets and indoor smoking prohibited. Outdoor smoking and alcohol permitted.
Bushkill (Pine Ridge) – Male Host. Pets and indoor smoking permitted. Outdoor smoking and alcohol permitted. LBGTQ friendly.
Bushkill (Pocono Mtn. Lake Est.) – Female Host. Alcohol and possible dog permitted. No smoking permitted because Host is quitting. Host has 6 cats.
For Pike County, please contact Larisa Yusko at lyusko@pikepa.org or 570-832-5133 if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program. Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Beaver Springs – Female Host seeks sharer 60+ to share room in her apartment. Home is one floor living with 1 unfurnished bedroom. There is a shared bathroom, and parking. Window A/C and cable acceptable. Laundry facilities, restaurants and shopping are within walking distance. Host has a small dog and is ok with someone who has a small dog. Host is a smoker but only smokes outside or in their own room. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
Middleburg - Male Host seeks sharer to share a room in his home. Home has semi-private 2nd floor unfurnished bedroom. There is a shared bathroom, yard, laundry in home, window A/C, cable and parking. Internet set-up is available. Located within walking distance of churches, stores, post office and restaurants. Host has 1 cat and is ok with someone who has a cat. Host is a smoker and casual drinker. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
For Snyder County, please contact Dea Schader at (570) 524-2100 Ext. 1013 or email
dschader@usaaa17.org for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Mifflinburg – Female Host seeks sharer to share a room in her home. House has 2 furnished bedrooms with 1 floor living. There is a shared bathroom, yard, laundry in home, window A/C, internet, cable and parking. Located within walking distance of churches, pharmacies, stores and restaurants. Host has no pets but is ok with someone who has a small dog. Host is a non-smoker. Host is looking for rent and resource exchange.
For Union County, please contact Dea Schader at (570) 524-2100 Ext. 1013 or email
dschader@usaaa17.org for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023
Available Hosts:
Honesdale (In Town) – Male Host. Dog, outdoor smoking, and alcohol permitted. House has two single men and one bathroom.
Waymart – Male Host. Outdoor smoking and alcohol permitted. Handicapped accessible. Beautiful rural setting. Dog prohibited but Host has a service dog.
Hawley – Female Host. Outdoor smoking, alcohol, and guests acceptable. Pets prohibited.
Moscow – Female Host. Outdoor smoking, alcohol and dog permitted. Host asking for companionship and security. Little rent required. Must have car and drive.
Hawley (Walking distance to town) – Female Host with a male Sharer. Outdoor smoking permitted. Indoor smoking, pets and alcohol not permitted. Host has a cat.
Lakewood – Male Host. Pets, smoking, and alcohol permitted. Security, meal preparation, and housework requested.
For Wayne County, please contact Larisa Yusko at lyusko@pikepa.org or 570-832-5133 if you are looking for more information about the SHARE Housing Program.
Updated: September 2023