December 09, 2022 - Hawley, PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced that its Shared Housing and Resource Exchange Program, also known as SHARE, has expanded into five additional counties: Bucks, Lackawanna, Montgomery, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. The program began five years ago as a pilot in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties and is also currently available in Carbon, Crawford, Adams, Union, and Snyder counties.SHARE is an affordable housing choice that brings together home hosts who have extra room in their home with home seekers who are looking for housing, in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both. Program participants must be at least 18 years of age and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60."The SHARE program has shown it is a win-win for both the older adult and their matched participant. The program allows the senior to remain in their home for as long as possible while providing housing to someone with common interests and a need for an affordable place to live. SHARE can also help combat social isolation and ageism while helping to close gaps between generations," said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. "I thank the participating Area Agencies on Aging, the SHARE counselors, the Department's support staff, and stakeholders for their advocacy and dedication to the program. They are a testament to SHARE's successes and sustainability as the program strengthens and expands." List of Speakers:Lana Romeo, Blooming Grove Senior Center health & wellness coordinatorSecretary Robert Torres, Department of AgingJason Kavulich, Lackawanna County AAA directorRobin Skibber, Pike County AAA directorLarisa Yusko, Pike/Wayne SHARE housing counselorRev. Fr. David B. Rude, SHARE hostCarin Tinney, Bucks County AAA deputy directorTracey Flynn, Montgomery County AAA deputy administrator of community programsMatthew Osterberg, Pike County Commissioner