SpacesShared.ca, a Toronto based company, might have the perfect solution to some of the challenges we’ve recently been hearing about.

The challenges: Housing shortages, inflation, an aging population and social isolation.

The solution: Home sharing through SpacesShared.ca

Rylan Kinnon, a student advocate, public servant, technology exec and consultant and Jackie Tanner, a social worker specializing in gerontology co-founded SpacesShared.ca to help address the above challenges through their modern approach to home sharing.

SpacesShared, in partnership with universities and colleges across Canada, helps connect students (Guests) looking for safe, and affordable housing with Hosts who have a spare bedroom and an interest in sharing it with a younger person. Guests pay Hosts rent and, if both are amenable, a discount on rent can be offered to the Guest in exchange for help around the house. 

SpacesShared’s platform enables Hosts and Guests to register and complete a profile which is then run through a sophisticated algorithm, designed and overseen by social workers, to “match” the two based on self-identified interests, preferences and lifestyle factors. Meetings are coordinated through the platform, and background and criminal checks are run to ensure everyone’s safety.

The SpacesShared team stays in touch from “match to move-out” to ensure all is going smoothly. 

Home sharing has been around for a very long time and is a norm in many cultures globally. Its time has come now in Canada. We all want to age in place, remaining connected to our communities; many are finding it challenging to stay ahead of the bills.

The wins for everyone are clear: Students get safe, affordable, home-like settings. Hosts get companionship, extra income and some help around the house.

If you have a room you’d like to open to a Guest, or know someone who might, please visit SpacesShared.ca to find out more.