College Students Living In Elder Living Communities

AARP’s Livable Communities newsletter had 2 articles of interest regarding housing and elders.  The first, Rethinking Student Housing focuses on several projects  along the lines of an artist-in-residence program, where music students get free housing in an elder housing community in return for performances as well as “helping with errands and socializing with …  neighbors.”  The second article, Rethinking What Makes a Great Roommate, focuses on a project that melds two issues: lack of affordable housing and elders who want to stay in their homes but need income. This project,  “Nesterly, a website that connects older people who have rooms to spare with young and lower income people seeking medium-term affordable housing. “Homeshare with another generation: The easy, safe way to rent a room,” states the site’s homepage. ”  There is a small fee to use the service, which checks out the potential renters.  The two parties come to agreement on the terms and price.

Two very creative ideas!