Belleville, ON, Oct. 3, 2022 –Loyalist College is matching students with older adults as part of a new initiative promoting intergenerational living in the region. Home Share Loyalist is an alternative housing model designed to generate many benefits in response to shifting demographics and community needs.
“We were excited to launch Home Share Loyalist on National Seniors Day and the United Nations International Day of Older Persons as we celebrated seniors in our community,” says Loyalist College Acting President Mark Kirkpatrick. “As the dynamics of our community are quickly evolving, this program presents a new and innovative way to enhance the quality of life for both new and existing residents and address affordable housing needs. It will also deepen the connection between our College and surrounding communities by engaging community organizations, older adults as citizens and students as residents in the community.”
By participating in this program, students will benefit from affordable accommodations in exchange for approximately seven hours per week of companionship, shopping, household chores or other non-medical tasks. Older adults benefit from companionship, social support and rental income.
“Home Share Loyalist is based on the premise of people helping each other. It provides a solution to address affordability and availability of housing and has the potential of improving the quality of life for students and older adults who may be experiencing loneliness,” says Dr. Kim Bergeron, Aging and Health Researcher, Applied Research and Innovation Office
Home Share Loyalist also provides applied learning opportunities for Social Service Worker students at Loyalist College. Students gain valuable real-world experience in program development by contributing to the research, program planning, implementation and evaluation.
The program is funded by a College and Community Social Innovation grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. It is supported by an advisory committee that includes Quinte Immigration Services, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, Hastings County Community and Human Services, Volunteer & Information Quinte, a community member and a Loyalist College alumna.
The first co-habitation arrangements are expected to be in place in early 2023. Older adults and students interested in participating in this program can find more information and apply online at homeshareloyalist.com.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com. To learn more about Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis and the College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office, visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.
– 30 –
Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com