SHARE & ECHO Housing Survey

In Adams County, @Home In Adams County released a county-wide survey began on September 1 and end on October 15 to assess the level of interest in a Shared housing or ECHO (a.k.a. in-law suite) housing option for seniors in the area.

Many seniors express a desire to “age in place” and this survey will help us see how many residents are interested. 

Once we have reviewed the results of the survey, we will approach municipalities where the highest level of interest was indicated for these two types of housing.

What is SHARE and ECHO Housing?

SHARED Housing - This option involves the voluntary matching of a home host (someone with at least one extra bedroom) and a home sharer (someone willing to living in someone else’s home.) An adult can either be the home host or home sharer. The home sharer has his / her own bedroom and both parties share living, dining and kitchen areas. Either person can provide services to help the other (for example: assistance with laundry or cooking; companionship), depending on needs and abilities. The home sharer would pay up to 30% of his or her income for rent. Providing services is not required to participate.

ECHO Housing - An Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO unit) is a small, separate, manufactured residence for an older adult that is temporarily placed in the side or rear yard of a host family - related or unrelated to the family (similar to the idea of a “mother-in-law suite”). This arrangement provides privacy and dignity to both the older adult and the host family. When the ECHO cottage is no longer needed, it is relocated to the property of another host family. The person renting would only pay 30% of their income.