Bridges to Housing Stability Launches New Home Share Pilot Program on Nov. 20

Columbia, Md. – Bridges to Housing Stability, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, announces the launch of its new Home Sharing Pilot Program for Howard County homeowners and potential housemates. The HoCo Home Share program, which officially launches on Nov. 20 and will operate over a two-year pilot period, will connect homeowners who have a spare room in their home with people who need a place to live.
 
The HoCo Home Share program, run by Bridges to Housing Stability, will engage interested parties in a thorough “matchmaking” process that includes an inspection to determine the sustainability of the homeowner’s residence, completion of a detailed questionnaire by both homeowners and potential housemates, background checks for all parties, pre-move-in interviews, and home inspections. Homeowners will benefit from the program by receiving rental income, while housemates will benefit by gaining access to additional affordable rental opportunities.
 
Home sharing in Howard County currently occurs on an ad hoc basis through social media channels and online classified advertisement websites, which can be fraught with risk and uncertainty for both parties, limiting the frequency of this kind of beneficial arrangement. Through the HoCo Home Share program, Bridges to Housing Stability can facilitate more frequent use of home sharing with standardized, trusted processes for compatibility matching, background checks, and leasing.
 
“Home sharing is a powerful solution to address Howard County’s affordable housing crisis and home shortage while fostering community connections," said Jennifer Broderick, LCSW, Executive Director of Bridges to Housing Stability. "Our new HoCo Home Share program provides a safe, structured, and supportive way for homeowners and potential housemates to come together, creating opportunities for stability and mutual benefit in the county.”
 
Currently, the average cost of rent in Howard County is well above the U.S. average. As of 2023, a majority of renter households paid more than 30% of their monthly income on rent, while the county faced a shortage of 7,500 affordable homes. New property development has stalled, resulting in a need for innovative solutions. In 2025, 147 individuals in Howard County were identified as homeless on a single night, a 13% increase from 2024. Of that, 46 were children and youth.
 
To learn more about the Home Sharing Pilot Program and how to participate, visit www.bridges2hs.org/hoco-home-share.
  
 
About Bridges to Housing Stability
Bridges to Housing Stability is a nonprofit organization based in Howard County, Maryland, dedicated to providing comprehensive housing solutions and support services to low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Our mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy.