Georgian College is bringing a new student housing platform to its Owen Sound campus this fall.
Piloted in Barrie last year, the college is now expanding its partnership with SpacesShared, an online platform that connects students who need a place to live with older adults living at home.
Dave Shorey, Executive Director of the Owen Sound campus, says interest is growing across the province because they have the staff to determine if students and homeowners will be compatible.
"There's a service that's provided as part of this, where the student fills out a fairly comprehensive questionnaire, so does the homeowner, and SpacesShared plays the role of matchmaker," he said. "They're also keeping in touch along the way, doing check-ins... so it's a platform that's really serving as a brokerage between interested students and homeowners."
Shorey didn't know offhand how many people used SpacesShared in Barrie last year, but says a number of schools — like University of Toronto, St. Lawrence College and Seneca — have since adopted the program.
He says from what he's seen and heard, the relationship is mutually beneficial, noting that students can even earn reduced rent.
"Based on this Helper Program, there's a defined list of tasks that they might be able to take on around the home, I use the example of lawn care right now and snow removal in a couple months," said Shorey. "That results in a rent reduction that's agreed upon between SpacesShared, the student and the homeowner. So we're looking at a five per cent rent reduction for each hour they're committing to helping to run the home."
Georgian College is expecting to welcome about 300 new first-year students this fall.
"This initiative will provide students with safe, affordable housing options while fostering meaningful connections within the community," said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring to both students and local residents."
To learn more about SpacesShared, visit their website.
Along with SpacesShared, the college also has a partnership with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in off-campus housing for postsecondary students. Until Nov. 15, Georgian will waive the fee for local landlords to post listings on the website.
