Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Is there a waiting list?

Our list of vacant rooms changes regularly.  Check the website for our most recent information or call 630/407-0440, Ext. 251. 

2.  What is shared housing ? 

For a growing number of persons faced with losing their independence and struggling to keep housing costs within their budget, shared housing is an affordable and viable alternative. For these people, shared housing offers companionship, affordable housing, security, mutual support and much more.

Shared living has been known to enhance the health and well-being of all people and allows people to remain independent in their home. Home Sharing also preserves neighborhoods, creates affordable housing and saves housing and healthcare dollars.

Shared housing programs fall into one of two categories:
Match-up programs, which help home providers find a compatible home seeker to pay rent or possibly provide services in exchange for a reduction in rent; and shared living residences, which involve a number of people living cooperatively as an unrelated family in a large dwelling.  Senior Home Sharing provides shared living residences serving seniors in Dupage County.

3. How much does it cost?   Is there a long-term lease? What does my rent include?

Our average resident fees are $1300 per month.  Each home has at least two subsidized rooms which rent for $910 per month. 

Fees include meals, utilities, support services of the live-in residence manager, and case management provided by the Director of Resident Services.

A stay at Senior Home Sharing requires a $100 service-fee, first month rent and security deposit, payable upon occupancy.  A 30-day notice is required if a resident chooses to move elsewhere. Rents are paid on a monthly basis and there is no long-term lease.    

In 2004, SHS received approval from the DuPage Housing Authority to offer project-based Housing Choice Vouchers to low-income residents.  Rental assistance is available to all eligible residents through this program.

4. How many people live in a house? 

Each home has six to seven private bedrooms, plus quarters for the live-in residence manager.  Senior Home Sharing, Inc. also operates a four-unit apartment building.

5. What are the age requirements?  Do you have any health restrictions?   

Prospective residents must be 62 years of age or older.  Senior Home Sharing is an independent social model of shared housing, so residents must be able to manage their own activities of daily living.

6. Who lives at Senior Home Sharing?  

The typical Senior Home Sharing resident is a widow or widower who is 80 years of age with an annual income of $15,000 or less.  Senior Home Sharing enables our elders to remain in a family-style home and maintain connections to their community.