HOME (Housing Outreach, Mentorship, and Empowerment) is a senior housing transitions mentorship pilot program of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. With funding from 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 alternatives of all kinds. The pilot program will connect older adults who are considering a move with existing housing opportunities in the community, housing options currently under development, and the private and public services and supports they may need to make a successful transition.

Many older adults want to remain independent, connected, and secure as they age. For some, that may mean staying in their current home. For others, it may mean finding a different home that better fits their health, finances, mobility, maintenance capacity, social life, and future needs.

The pilot is built around a mentorship model in which mentees will be homeowners who are considering, or may soon need to consider, alternative housing options.

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 MENTEE 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.

How public and private partners can contribute to the work and benefit from what is learned.

Private and public partners who provide home and housing products, services, and supports will be key to this pilots program's success. 

Older adults may need information and support from many kinds of community partners, including senior housing providers, apartment developers, real estate professionals, downsizing and moving companies, home modification contractors, financial planners, banks and mortgage professionals, insurance providers, estate planning and elder law attorneys, transportation providers, home care agencies, health care organizations, meal and nutrition programs, social connection programs, faith communities, volunteer organizations, and local government agencies.

These products, services, and supports can help older adults compare options, understand costs, plan for accessibility and safety, manage belongings, address family concerns, arrange needed supports, and make a transition with greater confidence.

The pilot will also collect practical information about older adult housing preferences and transition needs, including:

• what older homeowners are looking for in alternative housing,
• what services influence their decisions,
• what barriers make a move difficult,
• what housing products or amenities are most attractive, and
• what trusted information helps older adults and families act.

Participation can provide private and public partners with tangible value, including:

• A clearer understanding of emerging senior housing demand in Olmsted County.
• Insight into the housing types, services, amenities, and supports older adults are seeking.
• Stronger relationships with older adults, families, service providers, housing partners, and public agencies.
• Better information for planning, product development, service design, outreach, and community investment.
• An opportunity to help build a more coordinated, age-friendly senior housing ecosystem.

This is not a sales effort. It is an education-first, community-focused pilot designed to support informed choice, respect older adults’ autonomy, and learn from the real decisions people face when they consider the next chapter of home and community life.

To discuss HOME mentee, mentor, or partner opportunities, please contact: