Many cities in the United States are experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. An innovative home-sharing platform aims to help homeowners and those seeking a place to stay. Through Nesterly, senior citizens can receive rent money and help with home services in exchange for housing young people. The Rev. John Collett and wife Rita recently rented a room to a college student who attended the couple’s church. The Colletts had a positive experience and say intergenerational home sharing is “a win-win.”
Nesterly currently has listings in Boston, Pittsburgh, Louisville and other urban areas. The company recently entered a partnership with the Metro Nashville Housing Authority where the Colletts live to expand the program.
UM News learned about the Nesterly program through the Encore Ministry Foundation, a United Methodist ministry that serves older adults. More information on Nesterly can be found on the ENCORE website. The Rev. John Collett and Kay Bowers who are featured in the video are ENCORE Ministry Foundation board members.
(video transcript below)
Nashville, Tennessee
(coffee brewing)
Rita Collett: “Well she, she just was a delight.”
Retired pastor, the Rev. John Collett and his wife, Rita, are talking about their recent housemate.
John Collett: “It was far more than we thought it would be. Again, just getting to know a person for the first time, and it’s developed into what we hope will be a lifelong friendship.”
The couple opened their home to a college student.
Rita Collett: “I think she got us out of our sitting in the bedroom and reading books, and brought us into more conversation and more social activity and reflecting really on ideas that she would bring to the table and that was just a very enriching experience.”
A friend told the Colletts about a home-sharing program called Nesterly that addresses housing shortages in urban areas while helping seniors stay in their homes.
Kay Bowers: “The mission behind Nesterly really is to promote intergenerational relationships.”
John Collett: “The more I hear her talk about it, the more this is just, it’s just a given in our situation.”
Hosts fill out detailed questionnaires, and a team of social workers matches renters based on living styles and common interests. The Colletts’ tenant already attended the couple’s United Methodist church. Approximately 35% of Nesterly agreements include some sort of services in exchange for reduced rent.
(Rita reading list) “…extra car key, oh, bike carrier…”
Kay Bowers: “It could be grocery shopping, it could be walking the pet, it could be help with technology, you know, helping with the garden, any number of things.”
The Colletts agree home sharing makes sense, and the idea of providing shelter and being good stewards of resources appeals to United Methodist principles.
John Collett: “I think United Methodists are prone just by our nature to serve, to be hospitable, to practice being a neighbor, and it all just fits that way.”
Rita Collett: “And I would just say, I just believe United Methodists are you know, the “open hearts, open doors.” I was glad to have the opportunity. I think most people are looking for ways to serve and be of help to others, and this, it was a win-win.”
