The Blue Hill Public Library, Brooksville Free Library, Ellsworth Public Library and Healthy Peninsula are cosponsoring a talk on home sharing in Maine on Wednesday, October 9 at 4:00pm, on zoom and in-person.  A Maine Housing representative and the founder of Nesterly, will provide information about Maine's Home Share Program. This pilot program was developed to help older adults age more comfortably and safely in their own homes, while simultaneously addressing the housing shortage in Maine.

The housing crisis has hit Maine hard, especially in rural communities, and has left many people struggling to find affordable housing.  Homesharing is one way to address Maine’s severe shortage of affordable housing while also benefiting older residents looking to remain in their homes. In 2023, state lawmakers tasked MaineHousing with creating and testing out an effective, accessible way for homeowners with a room to rent to match with potential tenants. “Nesterly” is an on-line platform, third party organization that brings people together who want to share their homes with those seeking affordable housing who may also lend a helping hand in exchange for partial rent. It uses technology to make it safe and convenient for households to rent a spare room to a renter interested in lower cost, longer term living options. The Nesterly platform manages listings, helps screen homeowners and renters, and provides a way to collect rent that removes that responsibility from the homeowner.  

The event will be live streamed in the Blue Hill Library in the library's Howard Room. If you wish to join virtually via Zoom from another location, please use the library's online calendar to register for the Zoom link and password. 

For more information, please email Assistant Director Kayleigh Thomas at kayleigh.thomas[at]bhpl.net, or call the library at 374-5515, or email Lori Johnson, Healthy Aging Coordinator at Healthy Peninsula at ljohnson@healthypeninsula.org.