Vermont Roommates, Ages 31 and 77, Share Home for $650/Month

Every evening at 7 p.m., Kayla Mazza and her roommate Honey Donegan settle in to watch Jeopardy together. The catch? Donegan is 46 years older than her 31-year-old housemate.

When Mazza landed a nonprofit job in Vermont in early 2023, she faced a problem many young professionals know too well. Renting even a single room in a shared house cost over $1,000 a month, pricing her out of living near work.

A family member suggested HomeShare Vermont, a nonprofit that matches young people seeking affordable housing with older adults who have extra space. The arrangement benefits both sides: seniors get companionship and help with daily tasks, while younger renters pay far below market rates.

Mazza was paired with Donegan, a part-time nanny with a four-bedroom house. For $650 a month plus utilities, Mazza gets her own space and helps with cooking, grocery shopping, and rides to doctor's appointments. She also watches Donegan's two cats, two dogs, and fish when needed.

The two women have become genuine friends. They hike together, walk the dogs, and swim at a nearby lake. Both are avid readers who share similar political views and a love of comedy shows.

Similar programs are spreading across the country. In California's Bay Area, where studio apartments run $2,200 to $3,300 monthly, JoeyCo pairs college students with senior homeowners. Nanik Tagore, 22, lives with Robert and Paige Miller for $1,750 a month but earns back $500 through helping Paige, who has early-onset dementia.

Tagore spends about 10 hours weekly assisting Paige with daily tasks. He graduated college in May but plans to stay with the Millers through 2026.

Sunny's Take

These programs prove that housing solutions don't have to be complicated to work. Seniors get to stay in their homes longer with friendly support, while young people find affordable places to live during expensive life stages.

The arrangements also bridge generational divides in unexpected ways. Tagore says he hopes to dispel the myth that Gen Z and boomers can't get along, while Paige Miller appreciates having someone around who laughs at her jokes.

For Mazza, the benefits go beyond saving money. Living with Donegan means she found not just a house, but a home with someone who understands when she needs to curl up with a book all weekend.