HomeSharing.org Review: Affordable Housing & Extra Income in NJ
Discover how HomeSharing.org helps New Jersey residents find affordable housing, earn rental income, share household expenses, and stay in their homes.
RESOURCES
Staff Writer
10/21/20269 min read
Could Sharing Your Home Be the Solution to Rising Housing Costs?
What if an unused bedroom in your home could help you pay your mortgage, cover household expenses, or make it easier to remain financially independent?
Or what if you're struggling to find affordable housing and would consider sharing a home rather than renting an entire apartment?
For some New Jersey residents, HomeSharing.org offers a potential solution to both problems.
HomeSharing, Inc. is a New Jersey nonprofit organization established in 1984 that helps connect people who have available living space with individuals seeking affordable housing.
Unlike traditional apartment-search websites, HomeSharing provides professional assistance with screening potential participants, identifying compatible living arrangements, and developing shared housing agreements.
Its mission is to help people obtain affordable housing while enabling homeowners and other housing providers to maintain their homes, independence, and dignity.
Whether you're a retiree living on a fixed income, a homeowner struggling with expenses, or someone searching for a more affordable place to live, here's what you should know about HomeSharing.org.
7 Benefits of Using HomeSharing.org
1. Find Affordable Housing Without Renting an Entire Apartment
One of the biggest financial challenges facing individuals and families is finding housing they can afford.
Traditional apartment rentals often involve expenses such as monthly rent, utilities, security deposits, and moving costs.
For someone living on a limited income, these expenses can make finding suitable housing difficult.
How HomeSharing.org may help:
Instead of renting an entire apartment, a housing seeker may be matched with someone who has an available bedroom in their home.
The arrangement generally includes a private bedroom and access to agreed-upon shared spaces, such as the kitchen, living room, or bathroom.
This can provide an alternative to renting an entire apartment, potentially reducing overall housing expenses.
HomeSharing's program specifically focuses on helping people find suitable, affordable shared housing rather than conventional independent apartment rentals.
Who might benefit? Individuals living on fixed incomes, people experiencing financial hardship, students, and those adjusting to changes in employment or personal circumstances.
2. Earn Additional Income From an Unused Bedroom
Do you have an extra bedroom that rarely gets used?
Perhaps your children have moved out, you're living alone after retirement, or you have more space than you need.
Meanwhile, your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses continue.
HomeSharing offers homeowners and eligible housing providers an opportunity to explore earning rental income from space they already have.
How HomeSharing.org may help:
By connecting housing providers with potential housemates, the organization can help homeowners find someone willing to pay an agreed-upon amount of rent.
That additional income could be used toward household expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other necessities.
The organization specifically identifies helping people remain in their existing homes as one of its primary objectives.
Who might benefit? Retirees, empty nesters, single homeowners, and households experiencing financial pressure.
Rental income is not guaranteed, and homeowners should consider applicable taxes, insurance requirements, and housing regulations before entering an agreement.
3. Exchange Household Assistance for Reduced Rent
Not every shared housing arrangement needs to revolve entirely around money.
Some homeowners need occasional assistance with everyday household responsibilities but don't necessarily need professional home-care services.
For example, someone may find grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, or basic household chores increasingly difficult.
HomeSharing offers arrangements in which a housing seeker can provide agreed-upon household assistance in exchange for reduced rent.
Examples listed by the organization include:
Grocery shopping and errands
Cooking and meal preparation
Cleaning and household chores
Laundry and yard work
A HomeSharing social worker helps participants negotiate and document the specific responsibilities associated with these arrangements.
Who might benefit? Older adults who want to remain independent, people who need occasional household assistance, and housing seekers who can exchange agreed-upon services for reduced housing costs.
Importantly, this is not a substitute for licensed medical care, professional caregiving, or around-the-clock supervision.
4. Help Older Adults Remain in Their Homes
For many older adults, remaining in a familiar home and neighborhood is extremely important.
Unfortunately, maintaining a home can become more challenging as people age.
Some individuals face rising property taxes, limited retirement income, difficulty managing household responsibilities, or concerns about living alone.
HomeSharing addresses several of these challenges through shared housing arrangements.
A compatible housemate may provide additional rental income, agreed-upon household assistance, or companionship.
These benefits can make remaining at home more manageable for certain individuals.
HomeSharing specifically identifies supporting older adults who wish to continue living independently as one of its program benefits.
For adult children concerned about an aging parent's living situation, this may be an option worth exploring, provided the parent can independently meet their basic needs and is comfortable sharing their home.
5. Reduce Social Isolation Through Companionship
Financial concerns aren't the only reason someone might consider sharing a home.
Living alone can sometimes feel isolating, particularly after retirement, divorce, the death of a spouse, or other major life changes.
A shared housing arrangement may offer opportunities for conversation, social interaction, and companionship.
Of course, sharing a home does not guarantee friendship or eliminate loneliness.
However, HomeSharing recognizes companionship and increased feelings of security among the potential benefits of its program.
Who might benefit? Widows, widowers, retirees, and others who would welcome having another person in their household.
6. Receive Professional Matching Assistance Instead of Searching Alone
Finding a compatible roommate can be stressful.
How do you know whether someone is trustworthy? Will your lifestyles be compatible? What happens if you disagree about household responsibilities?
These concerns can discourage people from considering shared housing.
One of HomeSharing's distinguishing features is that it provides a structured matching process with assistance from social workers.
According to the organization, its process includes initial applications, reference checks, interviews, background screening using public resources, and discussions about living preferences.
Housing providers are interviewed in their homes so the organization can assess the available accommodations.
When participants agree to share housing, a social worker helps facilitate a written agreement covering important expectations.
HomeSharing also offers follow-up support and mediation if disagreements arise.
This professional involvement may help reduce uncertainty compared with independently searching for a roommate through an online advertisement.
However, screening cannot eliminate every risk, and participants remain responsible for deciding whether an arrangement is appropriate.
7. Access Matching Services Without an Agency Fee
Another attractive feature of HomeSharing is that its matching services are provided without a charge to clients.
According to its official website, the nonprofit relies on grants and donations to help fund its operations and provides its services free of charge.
This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are already experiencing financial difficulties.
An important distinction: Free matching services do not mean free housing. Participants may still be responsible for rent, deposits, utilities, moving expenses, or other costs established in their housing agreements.
How Does HomeSharing.org Work?
HomeSharing does more than provide a directory of available rooms. It helps guide participants through a structured process.
Step 1: Contact HomeSharing
Interested individuals contact the organization for an initial intake conversation about their housing needs, circumstances, and eligibility.
Step 2: Complete the Screening Process
Applicants complete paperwork, provide references, and participate in interviews. The organization reviews relevant background and financial information.
Step 3: Explore Potential Matches
HomeSharing identifies possible matches based on participants' circumstances and preferences. Both parties decide whether they wish to proceed.
Step 4: Establish a Written Agreement
If both participants agree, a social worker facilitates discussions about rent, shared spaces, privacy, cleaning responsibilities, and other expectations.
Step 5: Begin the Shared Housing Arrangement
Once an agreement is established, participants arrange their move-in. HomeSharing provides follow-up support during the arrangement.
HomeSharing emphasizes that it does not automatically place people in homes. The housing provider and seeker must mutually agree to the arrangement.
Who Is Eligible for HomeSharing.org?
HomeSharing primarily serves two groups: housing providers, who have space available, and housing seekers, who need an affordable place to live.
Housing providers must have a suitable home or apartment with a separate bedroom available and be willing to share common living areas.
Both housing providers and seekers must be sufficiently independent to meet their own basic needs.
Housing seekers may apply from anywhere in the United States, but they must be seeking housing within the organization's service area.
Where Is HomeSharing Available?
HomeSharing's official service-area page identifies the following New Jersey counties and communities:
Somerset County
Hunterdon County
Middlesex County
Morris County
Union County
Montclair and surrounding portions of Essex and Passaic counties
Although its homepage refers broadly to services throughout New Jersey, its detailed eligibility information identifies these specific areas. Prospective participants outside those locations should contact the organization to confirm availability.
What Are the Downsides of Using HomeSharing.org?
Although HomeSharing offers several potential benefits, shared housing isn't the right solution for everyone.
1. Privacy and Personal Space Are Limited
Sharing a home means adjusting to another person's schedule, habits, and preferences.
You may need to share a kitchen, bathroom, living room, or other common spaces.
For someone accustomed to living alone, these adjustments can be challenging.
Before entering an agreement, participants should discuss expectations regarding guests, noise, cleaning, shared belongings, and privacy.
2. Finding a Compatible Match Can Take Time
HomeSharing does not guarantee that every applicant will find a suitable housing arrangement.
Finding a match depends on factors such as housing availability, location, personal preferences, financial circumstances, and compatibility.
The organization's published 2019 results noted that housing seekers outnumbered housing providers at that time. However, that historical information does not establish the current availability of rooms.
People who need housing immediately should not assume that HomeSharing can provide a same-day solution.
3. The Program Is Geographically Limited
HomeSharing is not a nationwide roommate-matching service.
Its primary operations are in New Jersey, and the availability of participating housing providers varies by community.
Individuals searching outside its service area may need to explore other housing resources.
4. Shared Living Arrangements Require Cooperation
Even carefully matched individuals can experience disagreements.
Conflicts may involve household responsibilities, visitors, cleanliness, rent payments, or personal boundaries.
Although HomeSharing provides mediation and follow-up support, no matching process can guarantee that two people will get along.
5. It Is Not an Emergency Shelter or Medical Care Program
HomeSharing is designed to facilitate shared housing arrangements, not provide immediate emergency accommodations.
New Jersey 211 specifically identifies the organization as a housing-matching service that does not provide emergency shelter.
Additionally, household assistance arrangements should not be confused with professional medical care or assisted living services.
People requiring specialized care should evaluate whether shared housing can adequately meet their needs.
Is HomeSharing.org Legitimate?
Yes. HomeSharing, Inc. is an established New Jersey nonprofit organization, not simply an online roommate advertisement service.
The organization reports that it began providing shared housing services in 1984 and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
It also maintains a listing in New Jersey 211's directory of community resources.
HomeSharing publishes information about its mission, staff, service area, matching process, and historical results.
These details support its legitimacy as an established organization. However, they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of successful matching, housing quality, or individual safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About HomeSharing.org
Is HomeSharing.org free to use?
According to the organization, its services are provided free of charge to clients. However, rent and other living expenses may still apply.
Do I have to own my home to participate?
Not necessarily. HomeSharing states that housing providers may have a suitable house or apartment. Renters should confirm that their lease and applicable housing rules permit the proposed arrangement.
Can seniors participate?
Yes. Helping older adults maintain independent living arrangements is one of the organization's stated objectives.
Can I exchange household chores for reduced rent?
Yes. HomeSharing offers service arrangements where agreed-upon household assistance can be exchanged for a rent reduction.
Does HomeSharing conduct background checks?
The organization describes screening procedures that include references, interviews, and checks using public information resources. Participants should ask what the screening covers and what limitations apply.
Does HomeSharing guarantee housing?
No. Potential matches depend on availability, eligibility, compatibility, and mutual agreement.
How to Contact HomeSharing.org
HomeSharing, Inc.
The PeopleCare Center
120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 526-4663
Office hours listed by New Jersey 211
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Confirm office hours before visiting.
Final Thoughts: Is HomeSharing.org Worth Considering?
For people struggling with housing expenses, finding an affordable place to live or maintaining an existing home can feel overwhelming.
HomeSharing.org offers an alternative worth exploring.
Rather than focusing exclusively on conventional rentals, the organization connects people who have available living space with individuals who need housing.
For homeowners, the benefits may include additional rental income, assistance with household responsibilities, and companionship.
For housing seekers, shared housing may provide a more affordable alternative to renting an entire apartment.
And for older adults, the right arrangement may help make remaining in a familiar home more manageable.
However, shared housing requires careful consideration of personal safety, compatibility, privacy, financial obligations, and household expectations.
The bottom line: HomeSharing.org is a legitimate nonprofit resource that may help eligible New Jersey residents address housing-related financial challenges. It is not a guaranteed solution, but it provides a structured alternative that some people may not have considered.
If you're struggling with housing expenses or have an unused bedroom, visiting HomeSharing.org could be a useful first step.
DISCLAIMER
This article is provided by ShareThisInfo.com for general informational and educational purposes only.
ShareThisInfo.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HomeSharing, Inc.
Information regarding program eligibility, geographic availability, services, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Readers should verify all information directly with HomeSharing before applying or entering any housing arrangement.
Participation in a shared housing program does not guarantee affordable housing, rental income, a compatible housemate, personal safety, or financial savings.
Readers should carefully review housing agreements and consider applicable landlord-tenant laws, lease restrictions, insurance requirements, tax obligations, and other relevant legal or financial considerations.
This article does not constitute legal, financial, housing, or professional caregiving advice.
Sources and References
The following sources were consulted to verify the organization's operations, services, eligibility requirements, and potential benefits.
1. HomeSharing, Inc. — Official Website Mission, nonprofit status, and program overview. https://homesharing.org/
2. HomeSharing — How Does HomeSharing Work? Matching procedures, eligibility, screening, service arrangements, and participant benefits. https://homesharing.org/learn-more/
3. HomeSharing — Welcome to HomeSharing, Inc. Organization history and nonprofit background. https://homesharing.org/about-welcome/
4. HomeSharing — Our Communities Current published service-area information. https://homesharing.org/about-communities/
5. HomeSharing — Benefits to Our Clients Housing affordability, financial assistance, independent living, and companionship. https://homesharing.org/quickfacts-client-benefits/
6. HomeSharing — Our Results and Clients Historical matching statistics and participant information from 2019. https://homesharing.org/about-results-clients/
7. HomeSharing — Donations Nonprofit funding and statements regarding free client services. https://homesharing.org/donation/
8. New Jersey 211 — Home Sharing Program Independent resource listing with eligibility, application requirements, contact information, and service limitations. https://search.nj211.org/search/f22e49f3-6837-507e-9e8c-2088d81478c8
9. National Shared Housing Resource Center — Program Criteria Additional context on nonprofit home-sharing programs and recommended matching practices. https://www.nationalsharedhousing.org/for-organizations/program-criteria
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