To create additional sources of safe, affordable housing, the University of Guelph is partnering with SpacesShared on a new homesharing platform connecting students with older adults with space in their homes.
SpacesShared is a Canadian homesharing platform founded in 2023 to address Canada’s housing challenges. Through personalized profiles, it matches students with hosts based on compatibility in such areas as lifestyle, interests, routines and expectations. The platform combines technology with personalized support from its team, helping create successful matches.
“For students navigating a competitive rental market, alternative housing options like this can provide an affordable and supportive living arrangement while making use of existing housing capacity in Guelph,” says June Baldwin, coordinator of Neighbourhood Relations and Off-Campus Living at U of G.
“Our goal in partnering with SpacesShared is to expand the range of housing options available to our students while helping strengthen connections within our local community.”
Safety a core component of program
SpacesShared works with post-secondary institutions across Canada to connect students with trusted hosts. The model allows homeowners to earn supplemental income and offers students an alternative to secure housing. For both, the platform helps offset rising living costs.
Using the profiles, the platform recommends compatible matches and encourages students and hosts to meet virtually before moving forward. Before a homesharing arrangement is finalized, both students and hosts undergo criminal background checks and identity verification, provide proof of insurance where required and complete the platform’s onboarding process.
“We’re proud to partner with the University of Guelph to help create safe, affordable housing options for students while supporting older adults who have space to share,” says Rylan Kinnon, co-founder and CEO of SpacesShared.
“For hosts, homesharing can provide supplemental income, companionship and practical help around the house, while offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in a student’s life. For students, it offers a welcoming and supportive place to live. At its best, homesharing expands affordable housing options and builds meaningful community connections for both hosts and students.”
Beyond providing housing, SpacesShared also helps students build independence, develop life skills and establish community connections in a new city. For many hosts, inviting a student into their home reduces social isolation through intergenerational relationships.
As the platform launches in Guelph, the number of available profiles will grow over time. Students and prospective hosts are encouraged to join early by creating a profile, helping build a diverse community of participants and increasing the likelihood of successful matches.
The Off-Campus Living team is available to help students and hosts considering SpacesShared. Contact them at: ocl@uoguelph.ca