HOUSING SOLUTIONS PARTNERSHIP
HOMESHARE GRANT PROGRAM
The Housing Solutions Partnership is exploring innovative solutions to address a shortage of housing for local workers and students in Kootenai County. The HomeShare Grant Program aims to eliminate common barriers that prevent homeowners from sharing their home with others. Homeowners participating in the program could receive grant funding to apply toward home improvements such as egress windows, addition of a separate entrance, creation of off-street parking or construction/renovation to create a private bathroom. In exchange, the homeowner would agree to share their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time. The results of this survey will help us determine if the community would support a HomeShare Grant Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the HomeShare Grant Program?
The HomeShare Grant Program could eliminate common barriers that prevent homeowners from sharing their home with others. The goal is to increase the availability and affordability of housing for local workers and students in Kootenai County.
How would the HomeShare Grant Program work?
Homeowners approved for grant funding could receive funds to assist with home improvements such as egress windows, addition of a separate entrance, development of off-street parking or construction/renovation to create a private bathroom. In exchange for funding, the homeowner would agree to share their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time.
Will the grant pay for the entire upgrade to my home?
Depending on the cost of the project, homeowners may be expected to contribute a percentage of the cost for upgrading their home.
Who is eligible for consideration for grant funding?
Only homeowners in Kootenai County may apply for funding through the program.
How long would I have to house someone in exchange for the grant funding?
The length of time a homeowner would have to provide housing will be commensurate to the amount of grant funds received, with a minimum requirement of two college semesters (approximately 8 months).
Can I do the construction work myself?
All construction permitting processes, building codes and zoning laws must be followed. It is advised that you enlist the services of professionals.
When will I receive funding if I am approved for a grant?
Upon receipt of an accepted bid, a percentage will be paid to the homeowner with milestone payments throughout the course of the project. A percentage will be retained until the homeowner fulfills their obligation to provide housing.
Will tenants be required to pay rent?
Yes. Tenants will be responsible for paying rent equal to X percent of the current market rate with a percentage of rent collected returned to the grant program to ensure its sustainability.
How are home providers and tenants matched?
This program will follow best practices of existing homesharing programs like HomeShare Kootenai County. Applicants will be screened, and background checks will be completed for both home providers and tenants. A program ambassador will interview applicants and work to facilitate matches.
What if I don’t like the match or if I sell my house or move before I am able to fulfill my obligation?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
What if my landlord kicks me out early?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
Can I house a family member in a space improved with grant funds?
Yes, but the family member must be a local worker or student and will be required to pay rent.
How will the HomeShare Grant Program be funded?
Organizers of the HomeShare Grant Program have identified several potential funding sources. Additionally, a portion of the rent collected through the program will be returned to the program to fund future projects.
How do I apply for a grant?
Please complete our survey HERE and provide your name and contact information. If the survey results indicate enough interest to warrant creation of the HomeShare Grant Program, we will reach out to you with additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the HomeShare Grant Program?
The HomeShare Grant Program could eliminate common barriers that prevent homeowners from sharing their home with others. The goal is to increase the availability and affordability of housing for local workers and students in Kootenai County.
How would the HomeShare Grant Program work?
Homeowners approved for grant funding could receive funds to assist with home improvements such as egress windows, addition of a separate entrance, development of off-street parking or construction/renovation to create a private bathroom. In exchange for funding, the homeowner would agree to share their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time.
Will the grant pay for the entire upgrade to my home?
Depending on the cost of the project, homeowners may be expected to contribute a percentage of the cost for upgrading their home.
Who is eligible for consideration for grant funding?
Only homeowners in Kootenai County may apply for funding through the program.
How long would I have to house someone in exchange for the grant funding?
The length of time a homeowner would have to provide housing will be commensurate to the amount of grant funds received, with a minimum requirement of two college semesters (approximately 8 months).
Can I do the construction work myself?
All construction permitting processes, building codes and zoning laws must be followed. It is advised that you enlist the services of professionals.
When will I receive funding if I am approved for a grant?
Upon receipt of an accepted bid, a percentage will be paid to the homeowner with milestone payments throughout the course of the project. A percentage will be retained until the homeowner fulfills their obligation to provide housing.
Will tenants be required to pay rent?
Yes. Tenants will be responsible for paying rent equal to X percent of the current market rate with a percentage of rent collected returned to the grant program to ensure its sustainability.
How are home providers and tenants matched?
This program will follow best practices of existing homesharing programs like HomeShare Kootenai County. Applicants will be screened, and background checks will be completed for both home providers and tenants. A program ambassador will interview applicants and work to facilitate matches.
What if I don’t like the match or if I sell my house or move before I am able to fulfill my obligation?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
What if my landlord kicks me out early?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
Can I house a family member in a space improved with grant funds?
Yes, but the family member must be a local worker or student and will be required to pay rent.
How will the HomeShare Grant Program be funded?
Organizers of the HomeShare Grant Program have identified several potential funding sources. Additionally, a portion of the rent collected through the program will be returned to the program to fund future projects.
How do I apply for a grant?
Please complete our survey HERE and provide your name and contact information. If the survey results indicate enough interest to warrant creation of the HomeShare Grant Program, we will reach out to you with additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the HomeShare Grant Program?
The HomeShare Grant Program could eliminate common barriers that prevent homeowners from sharing their home with others. The goal is to increase the availability and affordability of housing for local workers and students in Kootenai County.
How would the HomeShare Grant Program work?
Homeowners approved for grant funding could receive funds to assist with home improvements such as egress windows, addition of a separate entrance, development of off-street parking or construction/renovation to create a private bathroom. In exchange for funding, the homeowner would agree to share their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time.
Will the grant pay for the entire upgrade to my home?
Depending on the cost of the project, homeowners may be expected to contribute a percentage of the cost for upgrading their home.
Who is eligible for consideration for grant funding?
Only homeowners in Kootenai County may apply for funding through the program.
How long would I have to house someone in exchange for the grant funding?
The length of time a homeowner would have to provide housing will be commensurate to the amount of grant funds received, with a minimum requirement of two college semesters (approximately 8 months).
Can I do the construction work myself?
All construction permitting processes, building codes and zoning laws must be followed. It is advised that you enlist the services of professionals.
When will I receive funding if I am approved for a grant?
Upon receipt of an accepted bid, a percentage will be paid to the homeowner with milestone payments throughout the course of the project. A percentage will be retained until the homeowner fulfills their obligation to provide housing.
Will tenants be required to pay rent?
Yes. Tenants will be responsible for paying rent equal to X percent of the current market rate with a percentage of rent collected returned to the grant program to ensure its sustainability.
How are home providers and tenants matched?
This program will follow best practices of existing homesharing programs like HomeShare Kootenai County. Applicants will be screened, and background checks will be completed for both home providers and tenants. A program ambassador will interview applicants and work to facilitate matches.
What if I don’t like the match or if I sell my house or move before I am able to fulfill my obligation?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
What if my landlord kicks me out early?
Idaho’s landlord-tenant laws must be followed.
Can I house a family member in a space improved with grant funds?
Yes, but the family member must be a local worker or student and will be required to pay rent.
How will the HomeShare Grant Program be funded?
Organizers of the HomeShare Grant Program have identified several potential funding sources. Additionally, a portion of the rent collected through the program will be returned to the program to fund future projects.
How do I apply for a grant?
Please complete our survey HERE and provide your name and contact information. If the survey results indicate enough interest to warrant creation of the HomeShare Grant Program, we will reach out to you with additional information.