Hello, my name is Paul. I am a young man with my own home that I’d like to share with a couple, or two individuals. It’s on four levels which is good because we each have a private level of our own. Housemates live on the top floor with 3 bedrooms, and a 4 piece bathroom. If you like working with your hands, there is a workshop/craft room downstairs.
I live on a separate level with my own bedroom, bathroom and living room.
My day starts with supporters who come in and make sure my socks match and that I’ve had a good breakfast. During the day my support workers help me pursue my interests – music, ATV’s, boats, bicycling, working out, swimming, bowling, fishing. I also have my own mobile interior car cleaning business. We go grocery shopping, make lunch together, and twice a week we make dinner for everyone in the house. In the evening, I like to relax with my tablet, watch a movie or go for a walk on my own.
All the spaces we share are sunny – the kitchen, living room and four-season sunroom. There is also a laundry room downstairs and the back door opens onto a quiet backyard with a gas BBQ. I love BBQ’d burgers!
It’s great to live in a neighbourhood where you feel safe and people know your name. This summer, a family at the end of the street invited everyone over for a BBQ; I water the plants for friends across the street; and last December I invited the neighbours to come over for some Christmas cheer.
I don’t know about you, but I like a clean house. Vacuuming is my specialty and I also like cutting grass and doing dishes. It feels good to share chores and dinners with my housemates.
Home sharing is an interdependent relationship. We have something to offer one another: I’m offering reduced rent in exchange for companionship: sharing evening meals, hanging out and being here overnight. I spend Sunday’s with my family.
The rent is from $730 – $930 per month, per person, based on two housemates. It includes heat, air conditioning, electricity, water, parking and outdoor storage. Move in date will be negotiated.
If you would like to find out more, please email homeshareptbo@gmail.com, or call 705 931-9798.
Before meeting Paul, I questioned whether I would be able to offer the assistance he may need, in a way suitable to him. After meeting him for the first time, that question mostly abated, and shortly after moving in it was clear it wouldn’t be a problem. Paul is trusting and easy going. Once I realized this, and knowing that I had a genuine desire to see Paul thrive, I knew we’d work just fine together. He is appreciative of what his supports and housemates do for with him, and routinely thanks us for all we do together.
I’m thankful to have had Paul in my life for almost two years, to help me focus on simple things like nurturing relationships and helping support others’ needs, while receiving the support that I’ve needed as well.
When I started working with Paul 4 years ago, I could not have anticipated how rewarding the experience would be, and how much personal growth the relationship would spark. I came to the opportunity without professional experience as a support worker. Paul’s family and circle of support said they were looking for a ‘decent human being’, and I agreed to give it a try. Paul’s limited vocabulary did not stand in the way of us forging a strong connection filled with trust, fun adventure, and peaceful co-existence. I enjoy doing activities ‘with Paul, not for Paul’. I’ve learned that Paul is tuned in to my emotional state, meaning that he is compassionate towards me, and my positive attitude can support him moving through his days with ease. One of the many things I appreciate about spending time with Paul is that he helps me stay connected in community. He knows a lot of people in town and we enjoy greeting familiar friendly faces. I’ve found it a wonderful experience to help him build relationships with his past homesharers, and support him in being a good housemate.
