In a strategic move to support Peterborough's student housing needs, Fleming College and Trent University have announced a new partnership with SpacesShared, Canada's renowned home sharing platform. This initiative will increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students while fostering community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region.
Partnered with over 20 post-secondary institutions across Canada, SpacesShared is a home sharing technology that uses a sophisticated algorithm and experienced team to match compatible students and hosts interested in home sharing.
"Trent's commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match," shares Dr. Leo Groarke, president & vice-chancellor of Trent University. "Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas."
"This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities," adds Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President. "Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward."
Rylan Kinnon, CEO and co-founder of SpacesShared, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, sharing, "We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city. Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform's secure environment."
To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up to the program as hosts, SpacesShared, along with the two postsecondary institutes, are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.
"The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation," says Dawn Berry Merriam, Chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.
Become A Host on SpacesShared
"The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults, but crucially also for students," explains Jackie Tanner, CXO and co-founder of SpacesShared. "But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students."
SpacesShared prioritizes the safety and well-being of its community members by thoroughly verifying host and student identities, conducting criminal background checks, and ensuring accurate listing information.
Fleming College, Trent University, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on Thursday, May 30, between 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.
Visit www.spacesshared.ca for more information.
