What is Shared Housing?
- When two or more unrelated tenants live together, sharing common living space, and most often have their own room
What does Shared Housing do?
- Maximizes access to existing 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom housing options for ending homelessness
What is ASU's role?
- Provide education and support to organizations wanting to use the shared housing model for their clients
- Facilitate match making amongst organization client referrals
Why do we need Shared Housing?
- Within the last year, over 1800 individuals within Maricopa County identified at coordinated entry that they would participate in Shared Housing
- Opens-up affordable housing options, split rent reduces individual rent burdens -More housing options reduces length of time to move-in
- Opportunity to decrease isolation and increase self-determination
Would you like your organization to receive training on how to provide the shared housing model for your clients?
Contact
Organizations participating in the Shared Housing Initiative:
Resources:
- Case Manager Toolkit (Overview, Client Messaging, Motivational Interviewing, FAQ) which is a resource for CMs on how to talk about shared housing with their clients.
- Landlord Engagement One-Pager which can be used when talking with landlords and property managers about shared housing.
How to be a Good Housemate for clients to learn how to deescalate and resolve conflict.
- Community Connection Plan for clients to identify goals for creating community wellness.
- Budgeting Tool for CMs to use with clients to understand the scope of their financial situation living independently vs. with a housemate.
- Housemate Agreement for CMs to develop with the clients prior to moving into a home together.
- Living Well with Others Booklet for clients to build their knowledge on how to successfully have a housemate.
- Housemate Pairing Deal Breaker Questions for clients that do not have case management and are interested in finding a roommate on their own.
- How to Find a Housemate and Avoid Rental Scams for clients that do not have case management and are interested in finding a roommate on their own.
- How to Be a Good Tenant for clients to go over with their housemates.
- Tips for Housing Search! which you can provide to clients who will be independently completing the housing search process.
- Average Required Income for Rental Units which you can use as a guide when discussing shared housing options with your clients. Based on research of the current housing market, this is the minimum monthly income requirements for rental units based on the number of bedrooms. There are situations where the only affordable option for a client will be to share a 1-bedroom or studio apartment with another person. It is good to have conversations with clients about affordability.
- How to Find Housing and Avoid Rental Scams which provides alternative housing resources for shared housing.
- Finance Resources which lists resources for free financial literacy classes, budgeting, calculators, etc.
Liability Disclaimer DRAFT for if your organization is concerned about the liabilities associated with supporting your clients in shared housing. Please feel free to use this draft and make edits to reflect your organization’s needs and create your own Limitations of Liability Disclaimer. This is a starting point for your organization, not a final document.
Roommate Benefits which you can share with clients when discussing shared housing and how it could benefit them short-term and/or long-term.
- Other booklet resources:
Are you a landlord or property manager interested in providing shared housing? Contact me!
Contact
Requirements for Shared Housing:
- Currently working with a Case Manager, Housing Navigator, or Housing Specialist
- Income that covers rent (Voucher, SSI, SSDI, Employment)
- Desire to live with a roommate
Do you have income and are currently working with a Case Manager or Housing Navigator?
If so, you are eligible to participate in the Shared Housing Initiative. Please submit your information here: