Matchmaking students and seniors under the same roof

Home Share Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a two-year pilot project to create more affordable and available housing for post-secondary student renters in St. John's by putting them under the same roof as home-owning seniors.

The program matches home-owning seniors who are 50 years-old or older, with students looking to rent-a-room. The program aims to have it's first owners and renters paired-up by the start of the fall 2012 semester.

The hope is to create more affordable housing for post-secondary students, while helping seniors cover costs, and around the house.

Andrew Harvey, Home Share NL coordinator said the success of the program depends on making the right fit with homeowners and renters.

"We're really hoping that this program will draw out a lot of people who would potentially love to rent out their rooms, but don't know how," said Harvey.

"We're going to make sure we make good matches," he added.

Harvey said he's hoping the program will catch on across the province, including communities such as Corner Brook where an extreme housing shortage for students exists.

-  CBC News