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One of the many options Homes for Good is looking at is "Co-Sharing" a home. In former times this was quite acceptable to many people but it has been out of vogue in New Zealand for several generations, except in Māori and Pacifica families. Now there are many economic pressures coming to bear on households which show no sign of letting up!
Our "Co-Sharing" group has been examining the literature surrounding this concept and is talking to a number of people locally who have direct experience of it. Their stories are posted below - if you have a story relating to this topic please contact us at info@housingforgood.nz. If you want to discuss your housing options with one of our trained volunteers please fill in the Contact form.
A fit and independent woman suffered a stroke that left her dependent on others. After a time in hospital she was admitted to hospital care in a retirement village. A friend noticed her deterioration in this environment and offered her accommodation in his home. They are both aware that this is not a long-term solution but it has enabled the woman to take her time in deciding on her ideal living situation. Both the man and the woman have adult children who are supportive of the arrangement.
Two women, probably in their 70’s, have shared a house for a number of years. They related that they started off as next door neighbours, owning their own properties and the sharing happened partly due to circumstances and over some time – probably at least a year or two - before they actively pursued the possibility of sharing more permanently. Now they have built a house together - about 12 years ago.
They made some interesting comments and observations on co-housing. For them, their shared Christian faith was important. They thought that each case of co-housing is unique and no set of criteria would likely satisfy any particular case. They are aware that in some respects they are like "chalk and cheese" and in other respects they match well, which has meant having respect for the other’s viewpoint and behaviour. They did get a contract drawn up and a lawyer was involved. They also recognised that their sharing could come to an end because circumstances changed for one or both of them. They said that sorting out duplicated property (e.g. household appliances) was quite an issue to work through. A big plus for them both has been that they have been there for each other when each of them struck health problems. They felt that there could be a lot of fish-hooks in any attempt to set up a co-housing situation.
A homeowner living in a large house separated her downstairs from her upstairs with a lockable door. She has a couple living downstairs that have all their own amenities. She says this arrangement gives her privacy, helps with her bills and also security knowing there is someone else in the house. She has a good relationship with them and feels if she was ill or needed something she knows she could call upon them to help her out, but would only do this if there was no one else available (they are renters with no other strings attached).
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