Laurier and SpacesShared partnership creates new affordable housing options for students

Oct. 18, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has teamed up with SpacesShared, an online platform that pairs students looking for affordable accommodations with older adults who have extra space in their homes. The partnership will create new housing options for Laurier students in Waterloo and Brantford and give older adults a way to leverage a spare bedroom for some extra income, company and assistance around the home.

“Laurier’s partnersip with SpacesShared represents an innovative and practical solution to the ongoing housing challenges faced by our students in Waterloo and Brantford,” said Ivan Joseph, vice-president of Student Affairs. “By connecting our students with older adults who have extra space, this collaboration not only eases the financial burden on our students, but also fosters a sense of community and intergenerational exchange.”

SpacesShared creates a listing of accommodations, vets each potential host and tenant and gives ongoing support to make sure the homesharing experience always stays positive for hosts and students.

”There are two pressing housing problems in Canada today: many seniors need support and companionship as they age in their homes, and students need safe and affordable places to live,” said Rylan Kinnon, CEO of SpacesShared. “So if you’re an older adult in Waterloo or Brantford with space to spare, we encourage you to visit our website and find out if SpacesShared is a good fit for you. Signing up is easy, quick and secure.”

Affordable housing is a significant challenge in Waterloo and Brantford. The challenge can be particularly acute for international students. Homesharing is a proven model that increases the stock of affordable housing, encourages intergenerational relationships, creates extra income for older adults on a fixed income, helps people age at home, and alleviates social isolation for both hosts and students. SpacesShared aims to be affordable, and students can further reduce their monthly rent by doing some tasks around the home.

Laurier is the first university in Ontario to partner with SpacesShared. The platform has launched successful partnerships with Georgian, Humber and Lambton Colleges.

Learn more

For more information about homesharing through SpacesShared, or to register for a free account as a host or a student, visit spacesshared.ca.

Laurier and SpacesShared will be hosting community information sessions in the coming months so that older adults and students in Waterloo and Brantford can learn more about the intergenerational homesharing model and the services SpacesShared offers. Once available, information about the sessions will be posted on Laurier’s events calendar.