Project SHARE

Project SHARE was started in 1981 by the Gray Panthers.  They saw shared housing as a solution to two problems facing our elder communities: increasing rents and the institutionalization of older adults.  After creating Project SHARE, the Gray Panthers looked to ECHO Housing to administer and carry out the program.

WHY SHARE?
Shared housing can provide companionship, decrease isolation, reduce the cost of housing, and minimize homelessness.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
All residents of, or persons who want to live in Livermore or Pleasanton are eligible to participate in the program, either as home providers or home seekers.

WHAT KIND OF SITUATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
The most common arrangement involves two people, one of whom moves in with the other.  Some participants provide services in exchange for full or partial rent.  Special arrangements can be made to meet the needs and preferences of all parties.  Sometimes placements can occur in as little as a week, but more often a longer time is needed to find just the right housemate.
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Referrals & Matching
These services include registration and gathering information on housing needs, lifestyles, and preferences.  For the well-being and safety of all our clients, Project SHARE will conduct background checks and seek references from all applicants in the program.
Counseling
Counseling is available for fair housing and tenant/landlord questions, and is provided on the various types of shared housing arrangements furnished by Home Providers and Home Seekers:
  • Rent Exchange
  • Service Exchange
  • Rent & Service Exchange
Support Services
Project SHARE is available to help formulate housemate agreements between home seekers and home providers.  While under the home sharing agreement, counseling and dispute resolution can be provided to both parties to smooth over disagreements.
Workshops
Education is provided on shared housing.  A gathering of interested home sharers is held at least once every other month.  People interested in meeting others in the program, to learn more about home sharing can attend, ask questions, and decide if home sharing will meet their needs.