Search for commonly asked questions
What to Expect When Starting a Home Sharing Arrangement
Home sharing is more than a housing solution. It is about creating a safe and supportive home where an individual can thrive while building meaningful relationships. For families, understanding the process and knowing what to expect is the first step toward a successful experience.
This guide explains the stages of home sharing, how to begin the journey, what families can prepare for, and tips to make the transition smooth.
Step 0: How to Request a Home Sharing Arrangement
Before home sharing can begin, the process starts with a request for services through Community Living BC (CLBC). Home sharing is available to adults with developmental disabilities who need personalized, long-term support in a home environment.
Eligibility for Home Sharing:
To be eligible, the individual must:
- Be 19 years of age or older
- Be a resident of British Columbia
- Have a diagnosed developmental disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Require ongoing support services as determined through CLBC’s intake and planning process
How to Apply for Services through CLBC
To start the process, individuals and families need to connect directly with Community Living BC (CLBC). Applications are made through a local CLBC office.
Steps to apply:
- Contact your nearest CLBC office by phone or email
- Ask to speak with an intake worker or facilitator
- Provide basic information about the individual’s age, residency, and support needs
- Submit documentation, such as medical or psychological assessments, to confirm eligibility
- Complete CLBC’s intake assessment, which looks at the individual’s needs and goals
Once the assessment is complete and eligibility is confirmed, CLBC will arrange a planning meeting. At this stage, families can discuss service options like home sharing and begin the process of exploring the best supports available.
How to begin:
- Contact your local CLBC office and speak with a facilitator
- Complete an assessment to determine service needs and eligibility
- If approved, a planning meeting will help determine whether home sharing is the right option
What to expect:
CLBC will work with the individual and their family to understand goals, support needs, and preferred living arrangements. A home sharing agency may be assigned to begin the matching process.
Step 1: Learn What Home Sharing Means
Home sharing is an arrangement where an adult with a developmental disability lives in the home of a home sharing provider who offers personalized support. This support is designed to promote inclusion, independence, and community connection. The home sharing provider is approved by a home sharing agency or CLBC.
What to expect:
Each arrangement is unique. Support plans vary based on the individual’s needs and goals. Communication with the agency is essential from the start.
Step 2: Plan Ahead
Families play an important role in planning. Before beginning the matching process, take time to identify what matters most.
How to prepare:
- Clarify the type of support needed, such as personal care, daily living assistance, or help accessing the community
- Consider preferences like location, pets, cultural background, language, and household lifestyle
- Confirm what financial supports are available through CLBC or other programs
Helpful tip:
Create an “About Me” profile for your loved one that includes interests, strengths, and daily routines. This helps agencies find the right home sharing provider match.
Step 3: Understand the Matching Process
Matching is one of the most important stages. Agencies work to connect individuals with home sharing providers whose homes and values align with the individual’s needs and personality.
What happens during matching:
- Initial conversations to review the individual’s goals and expectations
- Families review potential home sharing provider profiles
- Meet-and-greet opportunities to ask questions and build comfort
- Short trial visits or overnight stays to test compatibility
What to expect:
Matching takes time. Rushing the process can lead to challenges later. The goal is to build a long-term, supportive relationship.
Step 4: Prepare for the Move
Once a match is confirmed, the transition begins. Moving day can feel exciting and emotional, so planning helps reduce stress.
How families can prepare:
- Pack personal items to help the individual feel at home
- Review routines like meals, medication, transportation, and free time with the home sharing provider
- Set up regular check-ins with the home sharing provider and agency for the first few months
What to expect:
The first few weeks will involve adjustments for everyone. With open communication, this stage becomes smoother.
Step 5: Adjust to Shared Living
Settling into a new home takes time. Both the individual and the home sharing provider will need space to learn each other’s habits and routines.
How families can support:
- Encourage independence while remaining available for reassurance
- Share any concerns early to avoid misunderstandings
- Celebrate small successes and progress
What to expect:
It’s normal to experience challenges early on. With time, trust, and collaboration, relationships strengthen and stability grows.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Be patient as everyone adapts
- Stay actively engaged with the home sharing provider and the agency
- Ask questions and reach out for support when needed
- Take a gradual approach, starting with short visits before a full-time move
Final Thoughts
Joining a home sharing arrangement is a major step for individuals and their families. Understanding the process from the very beginning helps reduce stress and build confidence. By preparing early, staying involved, and focusing on open communication, families can help create a safe, supportive home where their loved one can thrive and belong.