Shared Housing of New Orleans is a preventative program that allows elderly and/or disabled individuals to remain in their homes who would like to, and who do not need to be in Nursing Homes. We do this by matching a Homeowner with a Homeseeker. The Homeseeker provides light housekeeping and companionship. The Homeowner, in return, provides room and board. We take self-referrals or referrals from others.
Questions sometimes asked: 1) Who are the Homeseekers that you select? How do we know they are reliable individuals?
Answer: The Homeseekers are generally people who are at risk of homelessness. They are usually individuals who are concerned that they will not be able to pay the next month's rent. Historically, more women than men have applied to us as Homeseekers. Police checks are done on all applicants to the program. Careful screenings/interviews are done by our Program Coordinator and Registered Nurses. The Director is an experienced Occupational Therapist with extensive Mental Health experience.
Individuals with questionable backgrounds or questionable ability to participate appropriately in the program may be told that this is not the appropriate program for them. About 50% of those applying are not suitable for participating in the program.
2) From a friend or relative: May I negotiate for my friend ( mother, father, other) to submit an application for the program?
Answer: Certainly you may refer and give us information that would contribute to a good referral. However, the individual referred must have the ability to negotiate for him or herself. We do not admit those to the program for whom someone else has power of attorney or legal authority.
