Home Sharing: A Path to Independence and Companionship

 by Avi Kapur, Program Manager

Last October, I joined Affordable Living for the Aging (ALA), a Los Angeles-based non-profit. At ALA I oversee the Home Share program, which pairs senior homeowners with senior roommates. This program offers multiple benefits:

  • Generating income for senior homeowners living on fixed incomes
  • Fostering companionship to combat loneliness, which recent research (Harvard Loneliness Study) shows can potentially shorten lifespans
  • Enabling seniors to maintain independence as they age through daily living support
  • Creating affordable housing for low-income renters

 

A Stark Reality for Aging Seniors

The context in which I work is troubling. Seniors on fixed incomes face daunting challenges, compounded by rising living costs and increased medical expenses. In 2024, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles soared to $2,122 (Apartments.com Data). This figure starkly contrasts with the average monthly Social Security benefit of $1,787 (Social Security Income Data). As a result, seniors represent the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population (Cal Matters), with many experiencing first-time homelessness. Without intervention, these issues will worsen as America’s population rapidly ages (Urban Institute).

Professionally, I spend hours daily with seniors who rightfully fear this reality. However, this issue also hits close to home for me. I share the anxiety as I witness my aging parents and grandparents, concerned about how we will manage their expenses in the future.

Hope Through Home Sharing

Despite the grim outlook, my work in ALA’s home-sharing program has given me hope. Recently, I matched a renter who faced isolation due to limited walkability in her neighborhood. Physical limitations prevented her from simple tasks like grocery shopping, as she lacked a car to navigate steep hills. I connected her with a homeowner struggling to cover mounting living expenses, including HOA fees. For the renter, the match not only provided affordable rent at $700 per month but also brought her closer to essential amenities, reducing her isolation significantly. For the homeowner, the additional income from renting out a room amounts to over $8,000 annually, easing financial pressures and potentially covering medical expenses or home repairs. By focusing on both clients’ needs, I worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement that achieves housing stability and promotes independence.

The Emotional Toll on Caregivers

Another insight I’ve had over the past ten months is the emotional toll on our social workers and case managers. They have tirelessly supported at-risk populations for much longer than I have. Early in my tenure as program manager, I encountered clients overwhelmed with despair and rightfully angered by their circumstances. Yet, Billie Jean King’s words—”pressure is a privilege”—resonate on challenging days. Serving the people of Los Angeles is an honor, and I carry the weight of this responsibility with pride, knowing I can make a difference, one match at a time.

A Call to Action

In conclusion, I pose a fundamental question: Who are we as a city if we fail to care for the seniors who raised us, who defended our country, and who built our communities? As we confront this issue, we must exercise patience and empathy, recognizing the unique and valuable stories each senior carries. We can start by listening.

 

For more information or to sign up for ALA’s  Shared Housing program, please visit our Home Share page.

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