DUMMERSTON — Incentives up to $500 are available to Windham and Windsor county homeowners to encourage them to open their homes to housemates.
Sharing Housing, Inc. recently announced the launch of the pilot program SHIFT (Shared Housing Incentives for Taking Action).
“With housing in such a crisis in our community, the SHIFT program addresses one aspect of a complex problem,” the group said in a news release. “Almost one-third of all households in Windham and Windsor counties are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. At the same time, in Brattleboro alone, there is a pressing need for housing for those with incomes under $50,000.”
Shared housing uses existing infrastructure of current unoccupied bedrooms in single-family homes.
“Shared housing is mutually beneficial to homeowners and housemates,” the group said. “It lowers housing costs, offers companionship, and provides mutual support. When done right, shared housing is a win/win for everyone.”
In the SHIFT program, participating homeowners will learn how to select compatible housemates and receive a free consultation on how to adapt their home to make it more comfortable for sharing. They can be reimbursed up to $500 toward the cost of those changes after changes have been made, a housemate has been found, and an agreement has been signed.
SHIFT is partially funded by Senior Solutions, the local Council on Aging, through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more information, call 802-387-0487 or visit sharinghousing.com/shift.