What is the need in Eden Prairie?
There is not enough affordable housing in Eden Prairie. Four in ten renters are cost burdened by their rent, paying more than 30% of their income in rent.
Furthermore, people who work here, the caregivers, police, teachers, etc. can’t afford to live here.
Meanwhile seniors are struggling to stay in their own homes — either due to cost of upkeep or difficulty keeping up with chores, or both.
Introducing Home Sharing
Now there is a new innovative program that matches senior (55+) homeowners with people (18+) who are seeking an affordable place to live. The Eden Prairie Housing alliance is pleased to announce a partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) to offer the LSS Home Matching Service. This service pairs homeowners (55+) with home seekers (18+) through a trusted, in-depth matching and onboarding process. These pairs share a home, build friendship and create mutually supportive living arrangements.
"This collaboration marks a significant step forward, allowing us to reach more individuals who can benefit from safe, affordable housing options. Together, we are advancing our shared vision of supporting older adults to age in place and helping address the growing need for affordable housing in our communities. We are truly energized by this partnership and the positive impact it will bring.”
- Mary Speer, Manager, Program Development at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
FEATURED STORY
A NEW VOICE IN THE FAMILY
When Sharon, a school teacher in Florida was widowed in 2000 she moved to Vermont to be near her son. Unfortunately, she developed laryngeal cancer, requiring a laryngectomy and so she can no longer express herself verbally and relies on writing to communicate.
She moved into the lower level of a duplex her son owned, below her son, his wife and their 2-year-old twins. Although they were close and glad to help, Sharon didn’t want to burden her son and his wife who were busy with family and jobs. She decided to try to find a Home Sharing Match, looking for someone who could be her companion and help her schedule appointments and return phone calls, etc.
Meanwhile, Sarah, 30 was living with her mom and commuting 42 miles one way to work each day. She was looking for housing closer to her job. She hoped to live with a mature person who “didn’t party”. The idea of living with someone older was also appealing, as had worked with seniors and enjoyed getting to know them.
Sharon’s house was two blocks from where Sarah works and a match was made. She no longer depends on her family to “be her voice” as Sarah schedules Sharon’s appointments and helps Sharon communicate with nurses and doctors. “It helps my family because they don’t worry about me with Sarah here,” Sharon explained. In addition, they enjoy each other’s company and spend time together, watching cooking shows, playing Scrabble, going to the library, enjoying an ice cream cone and attending concerts and dance performances.
Meanwhile Sarah has achieved her goal of living affordably in Burlington and eliminated a long commute to work. As for Sharon’s family, her daughter-in-law wrote “I couldn’t be more pleased with this HomeShare. Sarah has quickly become part of our family! Her
sharing a home with Sharon is a win win for everyone involved!”
- Sarah and Sharon
Partners in LSS Home Matching Service*
Eden Prairie Housing Alliance 