San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative,
An Initiative of Townspeople

Discover the Power of Shared Housing:
Your Journey, Your Choices, Your Home.

Find a Housemate

Rent Your Home

Join the Collaborative

What We Are

Townspeople believes you should be the driving force in your housing journey. That’s why we formed the San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative (SDSHC) in coordination with service providers across the region and with support from Funders Together to End Homelessness San Diego and the giv4 homelessness fund.

This initiative puts you in the driver’s seat, emphasizing your choice to secure a stable home.

Why It Matters

Shared housing goes beyond providing a roof over your head – it creates a supportive community where you can thrive and find a sense of belonging. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you participate in shared housing:

Affordability

Shared housing reduces the financial burden of renting a place alone. By splitting expenses, such as rent and utilities, with your housemates, you can access more affordable housing options, freeing up resources for other essential needs and goals.

Safety and Security

Shared housing provides an added layer of security as you have others around you, creating a sense of safety, especially in unfamiliar or uncertain situations. Knowing that a supportive network is looking out for one another offers peace of mind.

Emotional Support

Shared housing presents a built-in support system that can make a tremendous difference. Living with like-minded individuals who understand your journey provides a sense of companionship, reduces isolation, and offers emotional support during challenging and triumphant times.

Who is Eligible to Participate

To be eligible for participation in the San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Interest in Shared Housing. Our collaborative is tailored for individuals actively interested in shared housing arrangements.

  • Adult Experiencing Homelessness. We are here to help those experiencing homelessness who are 18 years old and older. Whether living on the streets, in shelters, or couch surfing, we are committed to assisting you in your journey toward stable housing.

  • Sufficient Income. To ensure the success of shared housing arrangements, participants must have sufficient income that allows them to cover their portion of housing expenses. This income can come from any source, including employment, government assistance, social security, or housing vouchers. Please note there are no housing subsidies provided through the San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative.

     

How it Works

Finding safe and affordable housing should be a collective effort. Together with property owners and service providers, the SDSHC aims to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with compatible housemates and rental housing through an online matching platform. These are the steps:

Complete the Interest Form to access the free online portal. Please note an email address is needed to register.

The shared housing online portal allows you to identify potential housemates based on shared interests, lifestyles, and compatibility criteria, helping to ensure a harmonious and supportive living environment.

Get to know your potential housemates before making any commitments. Together, you can decide if the living arrangement feels suitable for everyone involved.

Searching for your shared home begins after selecting your preferred housemate(s). We will make every effort to have team members available to help secure a shared housing option that meets your collective needs and aligns with your individual goals. Throughout the entire process, you have the ultimate say in selecting your housemates, living arrangements, and the community you want to be a part of.

Our staff provides ongoing support and resources, including communication strategies, conflict-resolution skills, and community-building opportunities, to help you navigate the complexities of shared living.

Get Started Today