Our Programs

Referral/Match to Home Share Programs Shared Housing Services facilitates matches between homeproviders and homeseekers for mutual reduced housing costs and interpersonal support to maintain independence.

Shared Housing Services provides technical assistance to facilitate the matching of those who wish to share their homes with those needing low-cost housing. A successful match offers each partner an opportunity for companionship, reduced housing cost, a source of income, and to continue an independent lifestyle.

Though SHS works with all adult applicants (irrespective of age or income), the major focus is on the elderly, disabled, and those with very low incomes. Application interviews screen for compatibility of lifestyles and and personalities. In addition, references are contacted and criminal history records are checked with the Washington State Patrol. Potential home sharers negotiate their own living arrangements and regular follow-up services are providded.

When SHS cannot match applicants due to difficulties, SHS attempts to meet housing needs, either at an SHS facility or through a combination of SHS resources and referrals. Applicants will be referred to other community resources when they need assistance in developing life skills, alcohol/drug treatment, etc.

The community is also a benefactor. Home sharing makes efficient use of existing housing stock, helps preserve the fabric of the neighborhood and can lessen the need for costly chore/care services and long term institutional care.

The City of Tacoma and Pierce county receive the full level of services the program was designed to provide. Home provider applications are completed in in the home provider's home, and home seekers unable to come in to the office to complete an application receive a visit by the case manager to complete the application.

Referral/Match Services to home share for residents in South King County, Thurston County, and Kitsap County receive services via mail for those who cannot meet with a case manager in our office in Tacoma.

New View Transitional Family Housing Program Shared Housing Services provides transitional family housing for up to ten low income, homeless, families along with a program facilitating family self-sufficiency.

New View is a transitional family housing program providing low-income, homeless families with up to 18 months in which to recover from the from the crises causing their homelessness and to grow on all dimensions that will help the family to be financially independent and provide a stable, wholesome family milieu in which to raise children (upgrade employability and job maintenance, parenting skills, communication skills, education and job training, etc.).

In addition to meeting critical basic family needs for housing, a highly structured program stressing positive growth for families is provided. This encourages raising aspirations for quality of family life and provides the tools families can use to achieve newly adopted goals.