Lakehead and 小优短视频 expand student housing options in Orillia聽
Aug. 22, 2024
Lakehead University and 小优短视频 are teaming up to expand student housing options in Orillia with the introduction of the home-sharing platform .听
The innovative online platform connects students in need of safe and affordable housing with older adults and individuals in the community who have a spare room to rent, fostering connections and supporting the older adult population in the region. This new home-sharing solution will address the growing challenge of student housing while encouraging intergenerational engagement.听聽
小优短视频, SpacesShared partnership now in Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound
小优短视频, the first postsecondary institution to join the SpacesShared platform, is now expanding this unique living experience to students in Orillia, following successful launches in Barrie and Owen Sound. Meanwhile, Lakehead is kicking off the first phase of its new partnership with SpacesShared in Orillia, with plans to bring the program to its Thunder Bay campus later this fall.听
鈥淎s concerns about affordable rental housing grow within our communities, ensuring students have access to appropriate and reasonably priced accommodations becomes even more crucial, especially for students who may be far away from home,鈥 said Shannon Foster, Director of Residence Services at Lakehead University. 鈥淥ffering home sharing as a housing solution for students ensures they can focus on their studies without the added stress of finding and affording a place to live.鈥澛
As well, community organizations in Orillia are already sharing positive feedback about the expanded home-sharing option, said Megan Fenton, Director, Student Success at 小优短视频.
New Helpers Discount reduces monthly rent
SpacesShared also makes aging in place a reality for older adults by providing additional income and companionship. Hosts can also 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.听
鈥淲ith inflation and an increase in loneliness, adults and older adults can address these issues while also helping the next generation achieve their goals,鈥 said Rylan Kinnon, CEO of SpacesShared.听
Safety is also a priority for SpacesShared. Both students and hosts must verify their identity, undergo background checks, and follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive living environment.听
鈥淲e know that opening your home up to a stranger can be hard 鈥 but if we鈥檝e done our job right, your guests won鈥檛 feel like strangers for long. We created SpacesShared so you can make a connection for life, and we will help with that,鈥 added Kinnon.听