Sixty-five year old Ethel Harrington was widowed five years ago and lives alone.  She said, “The economy is really bad.  The cost of food, the power, and the phone bill went up.  If it’s not one thing it’s another.”  She is very lonely and wants someone to talk to.  Ethel has struggled to keep her three bedroom house that she has lived in for many years until she was introduced to The Home Share Program.  Within a short time, Tom a retired engineer began renting from Ethel and the match has been beneficial for both. 

          Ethel was featured along with Sandy Herskowitz, the Director of The Home Share Program every hour on the hour on Bay News 9 one Sunday early in 2007 explaining the program and the positive outcome. 

          The Home Share Program takes the guess work out of looking for a roommate.  Sandy, a licensed clinical social worker with thirty years experience, visits every provider’s home and interviews every applicant looking to rent (seeker).  She also performs  background checks on both seekers and providers.

          Recently, she matched a young single mother, Sharon, and her two year old son, Todd, with a retired day care provider.  They are both thrilled with the arrangement and couldn’t be a more perfect match.

          New to Florida, this program’s mission is to provide affordable housing options that promote independence and self esteem.  Home Sharing is an old concept and programs have been established nationally and internationally for years, however the Tarpon Springs Home Share Program is the only program in Florida. Since starting the program in Pinellas County, the program has received the majority of calls from Clearwater, but has also served people as far south as Gulfport and as far North as New Port Richey. The Home Share Program has matched thirty people, all with unique situations.