How It Works
Whether you're interested in becoming a host or a sponsor, this section will guide you through the process—from signing up to learning more about how you can help provide safe, stable housing for Massachusetts residents.
What You Can Expect
1. Intake and Enrollment
This is the first step in becoming a HomeShare host or sponsor. If you are interested in applying, complete the HomeShare Interest form. Once complete, you will receive an email from the HomeShare team that includes a quick overview of next steps and a link to sign up for a 1:1 session with our HomeShare team to learn more about the program.
2. Personalized Matching
We use a combination of technology and personal intuition to carefully match hosts or sponsors with guest families based on preferences, needs, and compatibility.
3. Hosting and Support
Hosts, sponsors, and guest families receive comprehensive training, ongoing mentoring, and access to resources to ensure a positive HomeShare experience.
4. Continuous Guidance
Our team provides continuous support and conflict resolution assistance, ensuring that hosts, sponsors, and guest families feel secure and empowered throughout the program.
1. Intake and Enrollment
- Interest Form: This is the first step in becoming a HomeShare host or sponsor. If you are interested in applying, complete the quick interest form. Once complete, you will receive an email from the HomeShare team that includes a quick overview of next steps and a link to sign up for the required host orientation course.
- 1:1 introduction call: This gives us a chance to learn more about your specific interests and lifestyle and gives you a chance to ask questions and learn more about the program! Family members can participate in the conversation too if you would like!
- Host Intake Survey: After your introduction call, you will be asked to complete an online intake survey. This survey is used to pair you with the guest family you will be supporting. The survey will ask you questions about your lifestyle, personal preferences, and needs, as well as your available accommodations and expectations for hosting. Guests will also complete an intake survey!
- Orientation: All Hosts, Sponsors, and Guests are required to complete HomeShare orientation. This training includes topics such as an introduction to the HomeShare program, an overview of host responsibilities, an introduction to receiving compensation via HomeBASE, and an overview of the supports and resources available to you!
- Background check: We conduct a background check on everyone over the age of 18 to ensure safe placements. This information is never shared or sold to any outside entities. Guest families complete a background check, too!
- Home Assessment: While the background check is being processed, if you are an interest host, we’ll schedule a time for a HomeShare staff member to conduct an in person home assessment. This step is intended to ensure that your available space meets all HomeShare requirements and everything is ready for a potential match. Once you complete the home assessment and/or recieve a cleared background check you are formally enrolled in the HomeShare program!
2. Matching
- Matching: The HomeShare matching algorithm will leverage intake surveys to pair compatible hosts or sponsors and guests together! We then review the recommended match from the algorithm to ensure the match rationale is makes sense. Once it is confirmed, the match and supporting match rationale is shared with both the host or sponsor and guest. If both parties decide they would like to move forward with the pairing, we will set up a time for an introductory meeting (i.e., a meet and greet!).
- Meet and Greet: We will facilitate a meeting between you and the guest family you have matched with. You will both have the opportunity to ask each other questions, get to know each other, and discuss your preferences and expectations. This is your time to ensure this feels like a good match for you!
- Match Agreement: If the meet and greet is going well, both parties will co-create a HomeShare agreement. It will outline mutual expectations for things such as shared living spaces, quiet hours, visitors, and other living preferences.
- Lease Agreement: Once signed by both parties, the match is officially confirmed!
- HomeBASE Application: Once a match has been officially confirmed, a formal HomeBASE application must be submitted. HomeBASE is the MA financial assistance program available to either compensate hosts and support various guest living expenses or be used as a rental stipened for the co-sign option. The HomeBASE application is primarily relevant to the guest family, however the Host or Sponsor will need to provide some documentation required for the guest family to submit their application and start benefits! You can find more details on this on our FAQ page. HomeShare staff and HomeBASE staff will heavily support and coordinate this process!
3. Hosting and Support
- Move In: Once the HomeBASE application has been approved and the family has formally accessed their financial assistance, the family will move in! HomeShare staff will help the family move into the host home or help coordinate a move-in into the co-signed unit.
- Ongoing Support: HomeShare staff stays in regular contact with participants throughout the life of the placement and is available if needs change or issues arise.