What is HomeShare St. Croix?
   HomeShare St. Croix is a nonprofit organization facilitating the matches of homeowners needing non-
   medical support with homeseekers willing to live with homeowners and provide such help in services
   in exchange for affordable housing. Our program is simply a unique effort to assist those seeking
   affordable housing and those seeking affordable help by bringing the two together.

   HomeShare St. Croix cannot provide emergency housing. Our goal is to promote suitable and long-
   lasting matches. The process of making a match is a careful and time-consuming process and is not
   a "quick fix." People in need of short-term housing (less than six months) are not encouraged to apply.

   What kind of non-medical support is needed and how many hours a week?
   Exact time and support of non-medical services are negotiated before the match is finalized between
   the Homeseeker and Homeowner. The homeseeker may provide non-medial support in such areas as:
   cooking, companionship, child/elder care, housekeeping, simple home maintenance, laundry, mail,
   medication reminders, pet care, shopping, transportation, trash removal and yard work. 

   How does HomeShare differ from home health care or personal care?
   Homeseekers do not provide nursing, home health care, or personal care (bathing, toileting, etc.). They
   may not administer any medications. HomeShare St. Croix does not provide home health care. If a
   candidate needs any level of personal care or cannot be left unattended, this program is not appropriate. 

   THOSE WE SERVE

   Who does HomeShare St .Croix serve?
   HomeShare St. Croix serves the St. Croix Valley – specifically Washington county in Minnesota, and
   St. Croix, Pierce and Polk counties in Wisconsin. HomeShare candidates must be at least 18 years.
   Otherwise, HomeShare St. Croix offers its services without regard to race, color, religion preferences,
   gender, marital status, age, ethnic origin, sexual preferences, or disability.

   Who are Homeseeker candidates?
   Homeseeker candidates are adults who would like to reduce living expenses and to provide help to the
   homeowner in exchange for housing. Some homeseekers may be retired, nearing retirement or in
   transition through divorce/death of a spouse. Others may be in transition through downsizing, seeking
   more affordable housing, or they may be engaged in educational pursuits. The homeseeker moving in
   with the homeowner will most likely be working full or part-time while they provide assistance to the
   homeowner, as negotiated. Homeseeker application.

   Who are Homeowner candidates?
   Homeowner candidates may be older adults who are looking for others to help around the house.
   A homeowner may also be a single parent, single homeowner or someone simply wanting to have a
   presence in their home. Homeowner application.

   How much space does a Homeowner need to offer?
   The homeowner needs to offer the homeseeker the minimum of a private bedroom. Homeowners declare
   availability and space needs when they interview with HomeShare staff and specify all the criteria they seek
   in a match.


   FEES & FUNDING

   How much is the fee?
   There is a one time charge for each finalized match. This one time fee is paid only after the 30-day
   trial match period has concluded and both the homeowner and homeseeker agree to continue on with the
   match. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Scholarships are available to all homeowners.

   What is the match-up fee?
   The match-up fee is paid for the service we offer of screening candidates, carrying out background and
   reference checks, facilitation of the match between homeowners and homeseekers, and providing ongoing
   support for success throughout the life of the match. This is a one time fee – this is the only fee paid during
   the life of the match.

   Where does HomeShare St. Croix get its funding?
   HomeShare St. Croix does not receive any monetary support under state or federal funding. The one time
   match-up fee does not cover the full cost of our program and remain affordable for all participants. Therefore,
   the support of various local community foundations, donors and in-kind donations are vital and
   sincerely appreciated. 

   SCREENING PROCESS

   What kind of screening process is used?
   Both homeowner and homeseeker candidates are carefully screened and undergo interviews, criminal
   background and personal reference checks. HomeShare staff also visits the homeowner’s home for an
   in-home assessment. Both the homeowner and homeseeker must be flexible, able to communicate
   effectively, and willing to agree upon expectations for the match to be successful.

   What about risk?
   As in all situations when unrelated family members come together, some risk is possible. We do screening
   and ongoing monitoring to minimize the risk and promote successful matches. Both the homeowner and
   homeseeker sign a release holding HomeShare St. Croix harmless from any liability/risk as a result
   of a match.

   What is a 30 day trial period match?
   Candidates who have met and think that they might be a compatible match enter into a 30 day match trial
   period. They meet with the HomeShare staff and work out the trial agreement. Then, the homeseeker moves
   into the homeowner’s residence. If one or the other of the candidates decides the match is not working, the
   match is terminated. If both candidates are comfortable with the arrangement, they move into the finalized
   match and continue to live with one another.

   Who pays for phone, groceries, utilities, etc., in a homeshare situation?
   When the 30-day match trial period is set up, the HomeShare staff helps the homeseeker and homeowner
   negotiate such items. In some cases, the candidates agree to split the expenses or remain as an
   independent expense.

   What if the match doesn’t work out, will I get my money back?
   The program does not guarantee a permanent matching relationship and does not return the match up
   fee. However, should one party in the match become involved in illegal activity or endanger the life or property
   of the other party, the match will be terminated. In such cases, the remaining candidate may choose to seek
   a new match.

   Is a lease signed?  No
   No lease is involved. HomeShare St. Croix is not a rental service.

   How long does it take to make a match?
   We are not an emergency housing program. The length of time it takes to find a compatible match varies
   according to the criteria you specify for your needs, the number of candidates who might fit those criteria
   at any given time, and the number of candidates you choose to meet before deciding. The decision is
   YOURS as to who you want to be matched up with. There is no guarantee that a match will always be made.

   How long do the matches last?
   The approximate length of a match is discussed in the agreement and is determined by the needs and
   desires of both the homeowner and homeseeker. Past experience has shown that the optimal
   successes in matches last a year or longer. Short term matches (under six months) do not allow enough
   time to experience all of the benefits of homesharing.

   Does HomeShare St. Croix monitor the progress of each match? Yes!
   The staff will check-in with both the homeowner and the homeseeker after two weeks in the trial period
   and then at the end of the 30 day match trial period. If the match continues, the staff will check in monthly
   for the next two months, and then quarterly after that for the first year. Both parties of the match, are
   encouraged to call our staff at any time to discuss any issues that they me be having or to gain other
   community resources that may be beneficial to them.



   TAX/INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS

   What tax breaks or responsibilities are involved in living in a homeshare match?
   Laws and situations do vary. We suggest that candidates contact their insurance agent, tax accountant
   and the IRS for answers specific to their situation.



   STEPS TO MAKE A MATCH:

   1. Call for a homeowner/homeseeker application.
   2. Return the completed application.
   3. Set up an interview.
   4. Agree to a criminal background check and three personal reference checks.
   5. Homeowners will also agree to an in-home assessment.
   6. Meet and interview candidates.
   7. Choose a candidate, set up HomeShare agreement and enter into the 30-day match trial period.
   8. Experience homesharing for 30 days, finalize the match with HomeShare staff.