About This Program
Home Sharing is a program where an individual with a diverse ability lives with a trained Home Share provider. The provider offers support with daily routines, life skills, community connections, and well being.
We carefully match each person with a provider who fits their needs, preferences, and personality. We take great pride in finding the right fit, because a strong match is the foundation for a successful and lasting placement.Some homes are shared and active, with routines and meals together. Others offer more independence while still providing support when needed.
Our goal is to create a home where people feel safe, respected, and able to grow.
Who This Program Supports
Home Sharing supports individuals with diverse abilities who would like to live in a home environment with support.
This program may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Want to live in a family style home environment
- Would benefit from support with daily living
- Are interested in building relationships within a shared household
- Want to participate more fully in their community
- Are looking for a balance of independence and support, like living in their own suite within a home.
What Support Can Look Like
Home Sharing is flexible and shaped around the person living in the home.
Support may include:
- Assistance with daily routines and personal care
- Meal preparation and shared household activities
- Learning life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and organization
- Support attending medical appointments and coordinating care
- Help managing medications and ongoing health needs
- Support for individuals with more complex medical needs, tailored to their daily routines and comfort
- Help connecting with community activities, recreation, or employment
- Building friendships and maintaining relationships
- Support with transportation and planning daily schedules
- Encouragement in developing independence and confidence
Our Approach
The success of Home Sharing begins with the right match.
We might talk about topics such as:
- work or community activities
- personal interests
- health needs
- safety considerations
- cultural traditions and relationships
These conversations help us find a home that fits the individual’s life and preferences.
Potential matches are introduced gradually. Individuals have opportunities to visit the home, spend time with the provider, and decide if the arrangement feels right. Once a match is made, TCS Home Share Managers remain actively involved.
Program Details
Before moving in, individuals meet with a Home Share Manager to talk about their goals, needs, and preferences.
Potential providers are then introduced through visits. These visits allow everyone to spend time together and see how the match feels.
Sometimes several visits happen before a final decision is made.
When a new Home Share arrangement begins, TCS provides extra support during the first few weeks to help everyone adjust.
Home Share Managers will visit the home, check in regularly and speak with both the individual and the provider to ensure things are going well.
For the first year, visits may occur more frequently to ensure stability. After that, visits occur at least every three months.
Individuals can also contact their manager at any time if they have questions or concerns.
People living in Home Share homes maintain the same rights as any adult.
This includes the right to:
- make personal choices
- participate in planning their life
- maintain privacy
- communicate with family and friends
- manage their money with support if needed
- express concerns or make complaints
- Respect, dignity, and choice are central to how support is provided.
Safety is an important part of the program.
Homes are inspected before someone moves in and reviewed regularly afterward.
Home Share providers are trained in safety procedures, including First Aid and emergency response.
Health needs, medications, and emergency contacts are included in the individual’s support plan.
Transportation used for community activities must also meet safety requirements.
Getting Started for Supported Individuals
If you are interested in Home Sharing, the first step is a conversation. Many individuals access the program through a referral from Community Living BC.
If you are unsure how to begin, our team can help explain the process and answer your questions.
From there, we take time to understand what kind of home environment you are looking for and what support will help you feel comfortable and successful.
We will walk through the process together.
Getting Started for Home Share Providers
Becoming a Home Share Provider is about opening your home and sharing your life with someone who would benefit from a supportive living environment. It begins with an opportunity to learn more about the role and decide if it feels like the right fit for you and your household.
Our team will guide you through the application and screening process, including learning about you and your family (as applicable), your home, your daily routines, and the type of support you feel comfortable providing. This helps ensure that both you and the person moving into your home will be well matched.
Home Sharing is built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to creating a safe and welcoming home. We take the time to find thoughtful matches and support providers every step of the way.
You can apply to be a home share provider through our careers section.
Getting Started for Respite Providers
Respite provides short term support for individuals with developmental disabilities while giving full time caregivers and families time to rest and recharge.
As a Respite Provider, you spend time with the individual, support everyday activities, and help them stay connected to their community. This support may take place in your home or in the individual’s home, and we help find a match that works for everyone.
Respite can be a good option if you are interested in supporting someone but are not able to be a full time caregiver, or if you are curious about becoming a Home Share provider in the future.
If you are interested in supporting individuals and families in a meaningful way, we welcome you to apply to become a Respite Provider.
