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.
• Connecy 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:

Ellen Newman, Elder-Network | 507-285-5272 |
EllenN@Elder-Network.org

Thomas Hayden, Family Service Rochester | 507-287-2010 | office@familyservicerochester.org