Home Share Loyalist is an alternative housing model that promotes intergenerational living for Loyalist students with a focus on international students and adults 55 years of age and older in the region. This program aligns with efforts in the region to be age friendly and supports policy efforts for aging in place and with Loyalist’s efforts to engage and support their students.
The program is supported by a social innovation grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (2020-2023) and involves community partners in community health, public health, housing and immigration services.
The program was developed from April 2020 until it was launched on National Seniors Day, October 1, 2022 at the Belleville Farmers Market.
The program is grounded in providing experiential learning opportunities for students in the Social Service Worker program and is the first of its kind to use a health-equity perspective in the planning, implementation and evaluation of this type of program. All Home Share Team members complete a Health Equity Impact Assessment training to ensure the program models inclusive and equitable design principles. In addition, addressing ageism, racism and housing challenges are core features of the designed program with the intention to lead social change.
Leadership for this program is provided by faculty in the Applied Research and Innovation Office and the Social Service Worker Program (SSWP), School of Health, Human and Justice Studies.
Learn more about the Home Share Loyalist Team.
“The program is helping older adults age in place, addressing housing issues for both older adults and students, and fostering intergenerational companionship to reduce social isolation and increase a sense of belonging for seniors and students.”
–Dr. Kim Bergeron, Healthy Ageing Researcher and Principal Investigator for the program out of Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Office
The Globe and Mail, September 2022