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SENIORS/STUDENTS HOMESHARING PROJECT
Martin Rochon, Social Impact Project Coordinator, Georgian College provided a presentation concerning an update on the Seniors/Students HomeShare Project.
Mr. Rochon provided an overview on the HomeShare Project, a partnership between the Mayor’s Office and Georgian’s Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation. The intention of the pilot project is to match postsecondary students with older adults aged 55+ who have a spare room in their home. In exchange for reduced rent, the student would provide up to seven hours per week of companionship and help with light household tasks.
Mr. Rochon advised that the project has been affected by COVID-19 due to safety and legal protocols, as Georgian College students cannot be placed into seniors’ homes until the COVID-19 risks lessened. He noted the program will continue to screen matches to allow for quick and effective placement of the students with the best matched seniors once the pandemic situation improves.
Mr. Rochon noted the core goal of mitigating social isolation for seniors and students, and this is being supported by a $50,000 grant from Simcoe-Muskoka United Way that runs from June 20, 2020 to March 31, 2021.