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Students, seniors share housing
Kelli Olson, a graduate student of early childhood studies and special education has been living with Ester Tieke, a senior citizen, for over a year.
“(Living with her) works out very well for the both of us,” Olson said. “She lives close to campus. It’s a little harder (for my personal life) because I can’t invite friends to the house, but my weekends are free.”
SCSU students such as Olson are part of an intergenerational living experience called the Share A Home Program, through Catholic Charities’ Aging Division.
The Share A Home Program strives to match those who are homeowners 55 years of age or older that have disabilities or are single parents with individuals 18 years of age or older seeking affordable housing. The home seeker can assist with household chores, errands, yardwork, etc. in exchange for a private room or apartment within the home.
“Older people prefer to stay within their home because they are accustomed to it,” Barbara Ludwig, Share a Home Program director, said. “They can’t do heavily daily routines in a safe, livable condition. They still have to have someone else do the work, but the home seeker cannot provide personal care to the person.”
Some of the duties that Olson does for Tieke is putting hair curlers in her hair every week and some light housekeeping.
“Ester is pretty self-sufficient,” Olson said. “She is very flexible.”
Olson became interested in the program after taking a gerontology class at SCSU.
“I kept (the program) in my head,” she said. “I was looking for another place to live and I didn’t have any roommates and I wanted an inexpensive place to live.”
Living expenses vary from $10 to $300 a month. It is a win-win situation for students who want to live off-campus and gain the friendship of an older adult.
“Safety is ensured through mutual respect of the property involved,” Ludwig said. “If a student is living in a house, the home owner’s insurance would cover them.”
When it comes to the strong bonds between living with an adult or living with friends, it’s a personal preference.
“Age doesn’t matter,” Ludwig said. “Friends can be of any ages.”
Staying with a senior can also be a good way to earn some volunteer hours through the Volunteer Link at SCSU. Ludwig, at this point, is unsure of how many may be counted.
There are currently six students participating in the program and Ludwig would like to see an increase.
“Over the past seven years that I have been here (Catholic Charities), I have seen it triple with 30-42 matches a year,” she said.
The Share A Home Program began in 1981 as a service of Catholic Charities by a variety of St. Cloud community members interested in starting a living program. The program serves Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright and Morrison Counties.
There are currently three openings for students. For more information, students can contact Barbara Ludwig at 229-4590.
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