Workshop highlights shared housing

March 26, 2008

Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em.

Roommates will be the topic of a free workshop today hosted by the Penticton and Area Women’s Centre titled Shared Accommodations.

The workshop is for housemates, homeowners, social service providers or anyone interested in the legal and practical implications of shared housing arrangements.

“Housing costs have increased significantly in the South Okanagan in the past several years and for many people, particularly people on a fixed income, shared housing can be a great solution to cut down on living expenses,” said Elsie Wiebe, co-ordinator of Penticton and Area Women’s Centre.

“Sharing accommodations can increase safety and create a greater sense of home or community. This workshop will provide helpful skills, problem-solving tools and ideas for considering possible risks, increasing safety and making shared accommodations a greater success and an enjoyable experience.”

At the women’s centre, poverty law advocates spend a lot of time assisting residents in the South Okanagan with solving a variety of legal tenancy issues.

“We witness a lot of cases of shared housing gone wrong,” said legal advocate Carola von Heyking. “Clients have told me about wild incidents like a roommate running off with rent money, a woman had all her personal belongings stolen by a housemate, a young man was locked out of his suite illegally.

“Just this morning I was talking to someone on the street who said more and more people are forced into shared accommodations as appropriate housing becomes less available, even though there may be significant risks. Someone attempting to become clean and sober ends up living with someone addicted — it is not at all healthy or safe.”

At the same time, there are many examples of shared accommodation that do work well. This workshop will cover pros and cons of sharing accommodations; tenancy alternatives; setting boundaries; setting boundaries; personal safety and self awareness; pre-tenancy agreements; and effective communication and negotiation.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Child care and a free lunch will be provided. Shared Accommodations will be held today from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Penticton United Church Hall. Pre-register by calling 493-6822, e-mailing or in person at the Penticton and Area Women’s Centre at 209-304 Martin St.

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Workshop highlights shared housing

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