FULLERTON : More Seniors Sought for Sharing Homes

A program that helps senior citizens cut living costs by pairing them up to live with others is looking to help more residents.

Fullerton Shared Housing, designed to help people over 60, places about 20 seniors each month in homes with other seniors and younger people.

With housing and utility costs on the rise, many senior citizens find that living together can save them money as well as provide companionship, said Marge Solomon, who works for the program and also shared her home with another woman for about 10 months.

“I enjoyed having somebody else there,” she said. Solomon, 66, was left alone when her husband died. “We place a lot of women who are widows and left in the house,” she said.

Staff members interview seniors and refer them to people who are looking to have a senior share their home. About 75% of the seniors move in with other seniors, Solomon said, and the rest live with younger people.

“Economically, it’s good for most people,” Solomon said. “It takes a little bit of adjusting, but people become used to it.”

For people interested in having a senior move in with them, Solomon suggested setting up an interview outside of the home. That takes pressure off the meeting, she said.

The program office is at 340 W. Commonwealth Ave. The phone number is (714) 738-6894.