$18,000 KW Community Foundation grant mobilizes CJI to support those looking to Home Share 

Community Justice Initiatives’ Elder Mediation Services program is expanding to include a Waterloo Region Home Share support program!  This project responds to the needs of older adults in our community who want to continue to live in their homes and are willing to share their home for various reasons. Companionship, loneliness and isolation, financial support, sharing household chores are some of the motivators for people entering into a home share arrangement.  With the support from the KW Community Foundation, Home Share Waterloo Region utilizes an innovative, inexpensive, and evidence-based model to address the critical shortage of affordable, decent, safe housing without needing to build new and expensive housing. 

“Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation is proud to support CJI’s Home Share project. We share in CJI’s passion for mobilizing our community around the affordable housing crisis. This project provides an opportunity to take action and improve the lives of people in our community.” – Elizabeth Heald, President & CEO, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation 

Wendy Meek, Elder Mediation Services Coordinator at CJI describes the project: “Our role at CJI, is to bring compatible Home Seekers and Home Providers together.  If they are compatible and if they can find reciprocity and mutuality in a co-habitation relationship, CJI is committed to assist in the process of reaching a Home Share Memorandum of Understanding and follow up support after they have started sharing the home. Home sharing is a proven model that already exists in many communities worldwide and we are excited to start the Waterloo Region Home Share program in our community.” 

The Home Share process is supportive. CJI reaches out to interested people to offer support to all in making an informed decision if Home Share is right for them.  We offer support in the screening/intake process, the initial introductory meeting, assisting with references, a mediation to facilitate the creation of a Home Share Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines their understanding of how they will live together.  CJI volunteers and staff continue to support the Home Share match as they begin to live together and will revisit mediation if required.  The aim is a mutually beneficial arrangement to all involved and is made on the basis of supporting each other in community. 

Are you interested in knowing more about Home Share or helping to support this project through volunteering or donating? If yes, please contact Wendy Meek at [email protected]. 

Media Contact:   

Mel Horvath-Lucid 

Community and Volunteer engagement Coordinator 

Community Justice Initiatives 

519-744-6549 x. 208 

[email protected]