Confederation College has announced a new partnership that is expanding affordable housing options for students.
They have partnered with SpacesShared.
The platform connects students in need of safe and affordable housing with older adults and individuals in the community who have a spare room to rent.
Using an algorithm, the service matches students and landlords based on preference, location, and personality.
“At Confederation College, ensuring our students have access to affordable, safe, and suitable housing has always been a top priority,” said the Director of Public Safety and Risk Management at Confederation College, Mike Rozic. “This collaboration with SpacesShared is another step in our ongoing efforts to support our students’ housing needs. It compliments our existing initiatives, such as lowering our residence fees and increasing our on-campus housing capacity.”
The platform focuses on intergenerational relationships, offering an opportunity for seniors to have someone join them in their homes while generating additional income.
Hosts can also offer a Helpers Discount, which means students can help with a set list of SpacesShared-approved chores around the house and, in exchange for each hour of weekly assistance, their monthly rent is reduced by five per cent.
Safety is also a priority for SpacesShared, and both students and hosts must verify their identity, undergo background checks, and follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe living environment.
“In addition to maintaining the lowest residence fees in Ontario, the College has recently increased its on-campus housing capacity and renovated common spaces, including adding a new communal kitchen cooking area,” said the college in a release. “The partnership with SpacesShared represents another innovative approach to expanding student housing options.”
The college joins Lakehead University in partnering with SpacesShared in Thunder Bay.
No information was provided as to when the school plans to put the partnership into action.