Lakehead and Georgian expand student housing options in Orillia
Aug. 22, 2024
Lakehead University and Georgian College are teaming up to expand student housing options in Orillia with the introduction of the home-sharing platform SpacesShared.
The innovative online platform connects students in need of safe and affordable housing with older adults and individuals in the community who have a spare room to rent, fostering connections and supporting the older adult population in the region. This new home-sharing solution will address the growing challenge of student housing while encouraging intergenerational engagement.
Georgian, SpacesShared partnership now in Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound
Georgian, the first postsecondary institution to join the SpacesShared platform, is now expanding this unique living experience to students in Orillia, following successful launches in Barrie and Owen Sound. Meanwhile, Lakehead is kicking off the first phase of its new partnership with SpacesShared in Orillia, with plans to bring the program to its Thunder Bay campus later this fall.
“As concerns about affordable rental housing grow within our communities, ensuring students have access to appropriate and reasonably priced accommodations becomes even more crucial, especially for students who may be far away from home,” said Shannon Foster, Director of Residence Services at Lakehead University. “Offering home sharing as a housing solution for students ensures they can focus on their studies without the added stress of finding and affording a place to live.”
As well, community organizations in Orillia are already sharing positive feedback about the expanded home-sharing option, said Megan Fenton, Director, Student Success at Georgian.
“Increasing affordable housing options is best supported in a community approach, so entering into this expanded partnership alongside Lakehead University will allow us to work together to increase opportunities for both students and hosts in Orillia,” she said. “Georgian’s excited to expand its SpacesShared partnership into the Orillia community, as we see potential for matches that support affordable student housing, positively impact social isolation and help older adults stay in their homes longer.”
New Helpers Discount reduces monthly rent
SpacesShared also makes aging in place a reality for older adults by providing additional income and companionship. Hosts can also offer a Helpers Discount, which means students can help with a set list of SpacesShared-approved chores around the house and, in exchange for each hour of weekly assistance, their monthly rent is reduced by five per cent.
“With inflation and an increase in loneliness, adults and older adults can address these issues while also helping the next generation achieve their goals,” said Rylan Kinnon, CEO of SpacesShared.
Safety is also a priority for SpacesShared. Both students and hosts must verify their identity, undergo background checks, and follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive living environment.
“We know that opening your home up to a stranger can be hard – but if we’ve done our job right, your guests won’t feel like strangers for long. We created SpacesShared so you can make a connection for life, and we will help with that,” added Kinnon.