Make Room—
Make a Difference

When you make room, you’re giving a family more than just a roof over their heads—you’re giving them a fresh start!

The MA HomeShare Program connects compassionate, mission driven individuals across Massachusetts to support families in need of safe and stable housing for ~12 months by becoming a HomeShare Host or Sponsor. Participants can choose to become either HomeShare Hosts (homeowners or renters with extra space who are willing to open their homes to a family) or HomeShare Sponsors (co-sign a lease to help a family secure their own housing unit). Families served through the HomeShare program are transitioning out of shelters and need a place to stay while searching for their own independent housing. When you share an unused room in your home or co-sign a lease on behalf of a family, you are giving a family the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Participating in the HomeShare program will allow you to:

Provide safe and stable housing for families in need
Build meaningful connections with others in your community
Access support and resources from a team of experts, mentors, and peers

HomeShare is not a new idea—it’s a proven solution. Our MA HomeShare program is joining the ranks of successful programs in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Canada. These programs have proven that when communities come together, families excel.

What Our Massachusetts Hosts are saying

“With two young kids, hosting migrant families in our home has been a tremendously rewarding experience. In these turbulent times, hosting has been a tangible way for us to make a difference.”

—Host in Somerville, MA

"We have hosted twice since November and hope to welcome more guests later this month. They were respectful of our home, clean and tidy, putting us to shame at times!  We were very happy to share our home, forge some new relationships and eat delicious Haitian food!  We were also humbled hearing some of their stories when they wanted to share them."

—Host in Winchester, MA

"Our family of six hosted a family of three (mom, dad, and toddler)…Our role was clearly communicated and well-defined … and we were happy to provide some additional support for the family, too. The family treated our room and home gently and respectfully.”

—Host in Lexington, MA

What being a HomeShare Host or Sponsor Entails

Housing

Hosts provide a private bedroom (and ideally a private bathroom) in their home for a family in need. Sponsors co-sign a lease for a rental property and serve as the guarantor for the family. A guarantor provides a guarantee that the guest’s obligation—rent—will be fulfilled.

Compensation

Hosts can receive a stipend for up to 50% of their living expenses through the Massachusetts HomeBASE program to offset costs associated with hosting. Families will use HomeBASE for financial assistance with rent under the co-sign lease option.

Support & Resources

Hosts and Sponsors have access to a suite of ongoing support and resources (e.g., mentors, peer support, community building, etc.) to ensure a positive experience.

Why HomeShare MA Matters

Massachusetts is experiencing a severe housing crisis, and family emergency shelters are operating beyond their capacity. Families are experiencing homelessness and are without stable housing options. HomeShare Massachusetts provides an innovative solution by:

Reducing Strain on Shelters: Helping alleviate overcrowding in the state’s emergency shelter system.
Fostering Community Connections: Encouraging neighbor-to-neighbor support that strengthens communities.
Improving Long-Term Outcomes: Providing families with a safe place to stay while they work toward securing independent permanent housing.

Why Choose HomeShare MA?

Proven Model: HomeShare programs have been successful across Massachusetts and beyond, demonstrating positive outcomes for both hosts and guest families.
Community-Driven Impact: Every HomeShare match strengthens community ties and provides meaningful opportunities for families to thrive.
Flexible Commitment: HomeShare requires a one-year commitment, with ongoing support to ensure success for all parties involved. Guest families placed in a host home option may identify permanent housing and move out of the host home before completing the full 12-month stay

Who are the families?

HomeShare eligible families are currently experiencing homelessness and receiving emergency assistance services from MA. Specifically, they are “Emergency-Assistance” eligible families on MA’s Rapid Shelter Track. These families are either actively living in a Temporary Respite Center (TRC) or they are on the waitlist. They have all received clean background checks.

How It Works

Massachusetts residents can join the HomeShare program as either a host or a sponsor to help provide safe and stable housing. Below you can find the step-by-step process from expressing interest through to a guest family move into housing!

Learn More