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Email: wish@whidbey.com
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is home-sharing?
Home-sharing is a living arrangement that involves a “Home-Provider” and a “Home- Seeker”. A home-provider is an individual or family who wants to share their home with an unrelated individual or family. Home-seekers are individuals, or families looking for affordable housing. In home-share arrangements, each party has their own bedroom and shares the common areas of the home, such as the kitchen, bath, and living room. A financial exchange, service exchange, or a combination of both is arranged to compensate the Home-provider for the Home-seeker’s rent and utility expenses.
Why do people want to home-share?
People enter homesharing arrangements for many different reasons. Some people want help with housing expenses, while others are interested in companionship or security. Some home-share matches involve the exchange of home services in place of part or all of the rent. These services can help older adults maintain their homes. Homesharing can help people of all ages through transitional periods such as a divorce, loss of a spouse, temporary unemployment, or educational pursuits.
Is there a fee for the WISH services?
WISH is a non-fee service. However, any donation you make helps with the expense of running the program, and enables us to serve more people. WISH therefore suggests a one-time $10 donation toward our services. Applicants who have not been Washington State residents for the past two years will be charged for the criminal background check.
How long will it take to find a match?
Once your application is complete, finding a match can take anywhere from a week to a month or more. You can expedite the process by making sure your references are available and will respond to our inquiries. Also, be sure to give us your current phone number (both day and evening) so we can easily reach you. If we have someone on our list that meets your needs, the process will be faster than if you have to wait for the right person.
What are some of the limitations?
As in any shared living arrangement, home-sharers may have to give up some privacy or personal space. Also, a home-seeker may have to give up some personal belongings or a pet if there is limited space at the provider’s home.
How much rent will the home-provider charge?
The rent will vary match to match. Rent is determined by the home-provider, and will depend on the type of services, if any, the home-seeker will provide.
How are applicants screened?
The WISH staff does an initial assessment of all home-providers and home-seekers. WISH requires that both parties must undergo a Washington State Patrol criminal background check and/or an out of state criminal background check (for those applicants who have not lived in Washington State for the past two years.) WISH also requires that all applicants provide three references.
How are home-sharers matched?
WISH is a “self-match” home share program. Once the application is completed, the WISH staff conducts an interview with the applicant and develops a profile. This profile is published in the listings sent to all program participants twice a month. The listings allow home-sharers to identify those parties whose needs and expectations are most compatible with their own. Match meetings are then arranged between the home-provider and the home-seeker. Each party determines if they want to pursue a match.
Does filling out an application commit me to home-sharing?
No. Filling out an application is the first step in the process. It may give you an idea of what to consider when looking for a home-sharer and may help you decide if home-sharing is right for you. You may withdraw your application at any time.
What if I do not like the person after we are living together?
It is up to both parties to sign a “Home Share Agreement” which outlines the termination policy. Then if one of the parties wants to terminate the arrangement, it can be dissolved in accordance with the terms of the agreement. We encourage home-sharers not to give up too easily; sometimes all that is needed is some honest communication and a clear statement of your needs or concerns.
How long do home-share matches last?
It varies based on the needs of the parties involved. Some last for months, others for years. Home-sharing may be short-term due to the transitional nature of the home- seeker’s situation. Sometimes a person moves away, or an older person may become disabled and need to live in a more supportive environment. Family situations change and with that living arrangements are altered. Certain individuals, such as a student may dictate a shorter time frame.
Is WISH involved once a match is completed?
Yes, once a match is made, the WISH staff is available to assist with the completion of the home-share agreement. After the first 15 days of home-sharing, WISH will follow up and request each party’s evaluation of the match. Thereafter, the WISH staff will follow up on a quarterly basis during the first year of the match.
What if you do not have a match for me?
If no one on our current list is right for you, you’re profile will remain active until a suitable match is found, or until you close your application. Our goal is to assist as many people as possible, however, there are no guarantees we will find a match for everyone.
Member Freeland, Langley and Oak Harbor Chambers of Commerce. Last Revised 7-29-08 Webmaster: charlona@creativeadsolutions.net
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