A home sharing program in Nashville provides a way for seniors to age in place and supplement their income while also providing companionship and affordable housing for young professionals.
Three years ago, several organizations providing programs and services for seniors approached Metro Nashville officials about the growing housing cost burdens for seniors — the fastest growing population in Davidson County — and asked for help launching a home sharing model.
Nashville’s first home sharing program was recently launched thanks to a partnership between Metro’s Housing Division and Nesterly, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to building intergenerational connections and increasing access to affordable housing through home sharing.
Kay Bowers, Nashville’s Community Liaison for Nesterly and an ENCORE Ministry Foundation Board member, believes the program will unlock untapped housing supply while helping older adults remain in their homes.
“Seniors benefit from supplemental income to maintain their homes and the companionship of others,” said Bowers. “Graduate students, interns, and young professionals just starting out are better able to afford the rent on an extra bedroom in someone’s home and shared living space.”
Rev. John Collett — a retired United Methodist pastor and ENCORE Ministry Foundation board member — and his wife, Rita, provided a room for a Belmont University student and now have a life-long friend.
The program combines the age-old practice of intergenerational living with a digital platform and customer support to connect homeowners who have extra rooms with those seeking affordable places to live. Nesterly helps housemates connect over common interests and facilitates the ability to exchange a portion of rental payments for help with grocery shopping, dog walking, yard work, tech support, and more. In addition, Nesterly’s experienced customer support team — led by licensed social workers —provides customer assistance throughout the homesharing process. All users must go through a multi-step screening process before they are connected.
If You Want to Know More
On any given night, Nashville has over 26,000 spare rooms in the homes of baby boomers. Unlocking this supply makes it possible for senior adults to remain in their homes and be active in their congregation and community. In a time when society is suffering from what some call a loneliness epidemic, the intergenerational relationships through home sharing and people’s ability to maintain community connections provides a much-needed panacea.
- Rev. John Collett — a retired United Methodist pastor and ENCORE Ministry Foundation board member — and his wife, Rita, provided a room for a Belmont University student and now have a life-long friend. To view a story about their experience, visit https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-home-sharing-program-to-match-older-homeowners-with-extra-room-to-renters-seeking-affordable-housing.
- Hosts and guests in other cities share significant benefits of intergenerational connections. To hear Nellie Goodwin’s experience as a Nesterly host, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/18f-xDFVY_lwHS3la0Hz_4ryvn5G-qLe1/view.
- Davidson County residents who have additional space in their homes and are interested in renting can sign up at www.nesterly.com.
- Residents who are not quite ready to sign up but want to learn more can fill out an interest form and a member of the Homesharing team will connect with them. They can also email or call (877) 958 8785 for more information.
