Homesharing
Welcome an individual with a disability or an acquired brain injury to share your home, your gifts and your talents. Be part of a reciprocal relationship with another person. Contribute to a community where everyone is equally valued and respected. Create a home and a community that is defined by a sense of belonging and connection for all people.
Jean Vanier pioneered the concept of sharing life with someone with an intellectual disability when he invited 6 men to leave an institution and come and live on his farm. Vanier went on to found the L’Arche Movement. Learn more at http://www.larche.ca/
When you home share you have a contract that pays you for room and board as well as some specific supports to the person sharing your home. Homesharing can be on a permanent or part time basis. Living arrangements can vary from independent suites to roommates and the caregiver or PRACL may rent or own the home or apartment.
Who can do this?
The home sharing provider can be anyone, an individual, a couple or a family. If you are interested in sharing a home and developing a relationship with an individual receiving service from PRACL, pick up an information/application package from the PRACL Marine Office.
PRACL’s Role
1. Find a good match between home share partners. We do this by learning about both you and the person seeking support.
2. Evaluate and assess the suitability of the home and the home share provider.
3. Develop a contractual arrangement with the home share provider.
4. Provide ongoing support to the home share arrangement. This includes monitoring to ensure the health and safety of the individual living with you.
5. Help find respite support for home share providers.
6. Help get other professional supports if the person in your home needs them.
7. Help the individual in your home access other opportunities outside the home when needed.
What to expect?
Every home sharing situation is unique and supports are based on the need of the person.
In some situations, home sharing creates close relationships and the person becomes part of the family, sharing not only physical space but your everyday lives. In other situations individuals want minimal supports and have a desire for greater independence.
For more information about Homesharing you can access the CLBC website at www.communitylivingbc.ca/what_we_do/home_sharing_overview.htm