Georgian College is expanding its student housing options in Owen Sound, and it's asking the community to help ensure rental housing is in place to support students who will become the region's future workforce.
Georgian's Owen Sound Campus is growing, with about 300 new first-year students starting there this fall. Along with its existing on- and off-campus housing options and supports, Georgian is expanding its partnership with SpacesShared, a technology platform that connects students who need a place to live with older adults living at home to create mutually beneficial sharing arrangements.
"SpacesShared is an innovative program that helps us address the housing needs of our students and fosters a deeper sense of community in Owen Sound. By connecting students with local homeowners, we are creating meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that enhance the lives of everyone involved," said Dave Shorey, Executive Director, Georgian's Owen Sound Campus.
The platform is one way Georgian is expanding to serve students and the community better. Graduates are critical to the Grey Bruce workforce, and these students need rental accommodation. Housing a student not only provides an opportunity to earn extra income, but also a chance to support student success and the long-term economic prosperity of Grey Bruce.
Georgian is expanding its partnership with SpacesShared, a technology platform that connects students who need a place to live with older adults living at home to create mutually beneficial sharing arrangements. From left: Sarah Stackhouse, Housing and Outreach Coordinator at Georgian, Suzie Addison-Toor, Vice President, Student Success at Georgian, and Rylan Kinnon, Chief Executive Officer, SpacesShared.
SpacesShared simplifies student-landlord matching process
With SpacesShared, older adults can safely offer a spare bedroom for extra income and enjoy the company of a housemate, all while giving students much-needed safe and affordable housing options. As well, they can 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.
The platform also provides a free service to help landlords match with the student that's the best fit for them through a vetting and support process.
"At SpacesShared, we are excited to expand our partnership with Georgian College to their Owen Sound Campus," said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO. "This initiative will provide students with safe, affordable housing options while fostering meaningful connections within the community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring to both students and local residents."
Georgian was the first postsecondary institution to launch on the SpacesShared platform, and both partners are committed to adding the program to other Georgian campus locations in the future.
Additional options for landlords
Along with SpacesShared, Georgian partners with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in off-campus housing for postsecondary students. Until Nov. 15, 2024, Georgian will waive the fee for local landlords to post listings on Places4Students.com.
Interested landlords can also choose to rent their room, house or apartment for long- or short-term periods, as some students are in full-time programs while others come to Owen Sound for apprenticeship or other shorter-term programs. This provides an opportunity for potential landlords to see whether they enjoy the experience before continuing more permanently.
Owen Sound students from in-demand fields seek housing
Georgian's Owen Sound Campus has seen significant growth in recent years, including the development of new programs, such as the Honours Bachelor of Science - Nursing degree in 2022, and increasing enrolment for in-demand fields like engineering technology and health and wellness.
These students, some of whom come from out of the area and need to find accommodation, will help fill critically needed positions right here at home.
With national and even international competition for prospective students in these fields, the ability to find appropriate, affordable accommodation is an important factor for students who are choosing between Georgian and other postsecondary institutions.
Learn more about the experiences of students and landlords with SpacesShared, or read about student-landlord pairs using other housing options and how you can help.
For more information
One Georgian Drive
Barrie Ontario
Canada L4M 3X9
www.georgiancollege.ca
