The Housing Solutions Partnership and University of Idaho are surveying Kootenai County homeowners to gauge interest in a program that would fund home improvements to eliminate common barriers that prevent homeowners from sharing their space with others.
The HomeShare Grant Program is one of several innovative solutions the partnership is exploring to address a shortage of housing for local workers and students in Kootenai County.
“We launched HomeShare Kootenai County and have matched several home providers and homeseekers,” said Kiki Miller, a Coeur d’Alene council member and a founder of the Housing Solutions Partnership. “Many people have expressed interest in renting out a basement or a room in their home, but they lack an egress window, private bathroom, separate entrance or off-street parking.”
If the survey finds there is enough interest, the Housing Solutions Partnership could launch a HomeShare Grant Program to resolve those issues. In exchange for grant funds for construction or renovations, homeowners would agree to share their home with a student or local worker for a set length of time.
“It’s a win-win,” Miller said. “Homeowners receive funds for upgrades that increase the equity in their home and local workers or students will have more affordable housing options.”
Depending on the cost of the project, homeowners may be expected to contribute a percentage of the cost for upgrading their home, Miller said. Grant recipients would have to provide housing for a length of time commensurate with the amount of money they receive for upgrades — a minimum of 8 months.
Tenants would be required to pay rent at rates below the current market rate for rentals. The program would retain a portion of the rent paid to fund the program and ensure its sustainability.
HomeShare Kootenai County, an existing nonprofit created through the Housing Solutions Partnership, would provide background checks on home providers and tenants and work to facilitate matches.
“We’re encouraging homeowners throughout the county to complete the survey so we can determine if the community is interested in the HomeShare Grant Program,” Miller said. “We have already identified several potential funding sources, but first we need to know if the community wants this.”
Find more information and complete the survey at https://www.housingni.org/homeshare-grant-program/
The mission of the Housing Solutions Partnership is to increase the availability and affordability of housing for local workers in North Idaho. Learn more about the partnership at www.housingni.org