Frequently Asked Questions

How much service exchange does a Home Seeker do for a Home Provider?

On average Home Seekers complete 5 hours/week for our Home Providers. Some Home Seekers do closer to 20 hours/week and other Home Seekers do 0 hours/week. Typically, the more service exchange a Home Seeker is willing to do the cheaper the rent will be.

What types of service exchange does a Home Seeker do for a Home Provider?

In home sharing service exchange includes things like driving, yardwork/gardening, occasional meal preparation, pet care, minimal home maintenance (changing light bulbs), snow shoveling, take out the trash, and house keeping. Home Seekers do not complete any personal care including showering, toileting, and assistance transferring.

What is a typical rent price and who sets the rent price?

For the last 2 years the programs average rent has been $400/month. Program rents range from $0-$900. Our Home Providers set the rent and Sunshine staff members support them in having conversations about rent reduction due to service exchange.

Can you match couples?

Couples are more than welcome to apply to the program, typically our Home Providers only offer 1 bedroom. Please reference Joyce, Jordan and Haley’s story in the “Our Stories” tab for an example of one of our couples that has been matched.

How long does it take to get matched?

Due to Sunshine’s extensive process to make sure the match is a good fit the quickest someone can be matched is in at least 8 weeks (this includes the 2 week Trial Match). Many of our Home Providers and Home Seekers take much longer to get matched due to their personal preferences and the amount of time it takes to find a good fit.

How is the program safe?

Sunshine completes background and credit checks on all participants in the program. Sunshine also completes a 1-2 hour Social Work Intake with each program participant, assessing for mental health, emotional health, physical health, and substance abuse.

What are the age requirements?

For our Home Provider Program, you must be 55 years and older.
For our Home Seeker Program, you must be 18 years and older.
For our Financial Wellness & Empowerment Program, you must be 55 years and older.

Is home sharing a replacement for caregiving?

No, our home seekers do not provide any sort of caregiving such as bathing, dressing, or feeding. The most our home seekers can do is call 911 if there is a fall or an emergency. Any participants that need caregiving should speak with one of our social workers ASAP for a referral to another organization or company.