HOME  (Housing, Outreach, Mentorship, and Empowerment) is a senior housing transitions mentorship pilot program of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. Funded by the Rochester Area Foundation, HOME is being conducted by Elder Network and Family Service Rochester.

HOME is developing a community-based program to help older adult homeowners explore housing options and the services they may need to make a confident transition.

Older adults make housing decisions for many reasons: health, finances, mobility, home maintenance, accessibility, social connection, family concerns, and future needs. These decisions are rarely about housing alone. They often involve real estate, downsizing, transportation, home care, legal and financial planning, home modification, health care, social supports, and other community services.

This pilot will help older adults consider their options while also gathering practical information about what they need, want, and value when making housing decisions.

HOME offers:

• Guidance and support to Olmsted County older adults interested in making a housing transition.
• Education to older adults about housing needs and resources as they age.

HOME will:

• Create community awareness of the program and its benefits for older adults.
• Develop a mentor network to work 1:1 with older adults as they move through housing
  transition.
• Connect older adults interested in navigating housing transition with the support of a
  mentor.
• Track outcomes data that can shape future housing options for older adults.

WHO WOULD BE A GOOD HOME PILOT PROGRAM PARTICIPANT?

55 and older adults living in Olmsted County:

• Planning for their future housing needs before they are in crisis, and;
• Find themselves with limited options, or options they would not have chosen.

Planning for the future includes defining what “home” is right for you to maintain a safe, healthy, thriving lifestyle as you age.

WHO WOULD BE A GREAT HOME MENTOR?

Mentor Responsibilities:

• Building a supportive and trusting relationship with mentee.
• Providing guidance, advice and insights based on mentor’s own experiences with housing transition.
• Helping mentee set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
• Offering mentee constructive feedback and helping them improve their planning skills.
• Sharing knowledge, resources and networks to help mentee succeed.
• Encourage and motivate mentee to reach their full potential.
• Be a positive role model and source of inspiration.

Mentor Requirements:

• 55 and older with previous personal experience or knowledge of housing transition.
• Available time commitment: total: approximately 10 hours/month.
• 1:1 weekly meetings with participants (approximately) .
• Ongoing communication with HOME program coordinator.
• Initial training of approximately 2 hours & ongoing Monthly training.
• One year commitment to the program.
• Comfortable working with older adults .
• Non-judgmental and appreciative of all cultural and family preferences.
• Good listener, organized, flexible and able to pivot/adapt to situations.
• Honest/transparent with communication.
• Encouraging and supportive with a positive outlook.
• Comfortable with zoom meeting and in person meetings.
• Can pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license.
• Willing to travel within Olmsted County.
• Mentor should not be tied to selling or promoting a product or housing option.

To discuss HOME participant or mentoring opportunities, please contact: