Northlands College and SpacesShared are excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide innovative housing solutions for learners in Northern Saskatchewan. This partnership will enable Northlands College learners to find safe, affordable homesharing arrangements with locals through the SpacesShared virtual platform.
SpacesShared is a technology platform and a group of team members that is dedicated to providing a way for people interested in homesharing to find suitable matches based on preference, location and personality while prioritizing safety and providing support along the way for all parties involved. This initiative aims to address the pressing housing challenges faced by learners while offering local residents a source of rental income within the community.
Karsten Henriksen, President & CEO of Northlands College, shared his thoughts on the new initiative: "At Northlands College, we continually strive to create more opportunities to facilitate our learners' success. This MOU with SpacesShared is a testament to our solution-oriented approach, not only supporting our learners but also enriching the communities we serve. Given the housing challenges Canada has faced in recent years, this innovative measure will help our learners focus on achieving their academic goals without the added stress of finding affordable housing."
Rylan Kinnon, Co-Founder & CEO of SpacesShared, commented on this initiative stating: "Our solution prioritizes connection, comfort, and community. Learners seeking safe, affordable housing can connect with locals through our platform who want extra income, and an opportunity to give back to the community. We are excited to partner with Northern College and bring our offering to learners and locals in Saskatchewan, helping reduce social isolation and build meaningful connections along the way."
Jackie Tanner, Co-founder & CXO of SpacesShared shared: "At SpacesShared, we know that the biggest drivers for participation in homesharing are feelings of safety and convenience. We have built a platform that manages the entire process, from listing properties and connecting students with hosts to preparing contracts and handling monthly payments. In addition to running background verification and identity checks, our customer success team conducts regular surveys throughout the homesharing duration to ensure homeshare matches are satisfied with the arrangement."
This collaboration underscores Northlands College's unwavering commitment to community engagement and learner success, highlighting our dedication to finding practical solutions that address real-world challenges. By partnering with SpacesShared, we are not only providing our learners with secure and affordable housing options but also enriching the lives of local residents who can benefit from additional rental income and meaningful interactions with the younger generation. This initiative exemplifies our holistic approach to education, where the well-being and success of our learners are intrinsically linked to the vitality of the communities we serve. As we move forward, we are proud to champion initiatives that promote educational advancement, foster connections, and enhance community well-being in Northern Saskatchewan. Through such innovative measures, Northlands College continues to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the positive transformation of our region.