How Homesharing Is Rebuilding Community in North Idaho скачать в хорошем качестве

How Homesharing Is Rebuilding Community in North Idaho

What if the solution to affordable housing was already inside our community? In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Mike Baker sits down with Duncan Menzies, Director of Kootenai Homeshare, to explore a creative and community-driven approach to addressing affordable housing challenges in Kootenai County. As housing prices continue to rise across North Idaho, many people who want to live and work in the area struggle to find places they can afford. At the same time, many homeowners—especially older adults—have extra space in their homes but may experience isolation or simply want companionship and support. Kootenai Homeshare brings these two needs together. In this conversation, Duncan shares how the idea for Kootenai Homeshare developed, how it works in practice, and how it can strengthen the community's social fabric. Mike and Duncan also discuss how housing stability, connection, and belonging directly impact health and well-being across the region. You’ll also hear how this model addresses two major challenges facing many communities today: rising housing costs and growing social isolation. This episode is for: Residents navigating housing challenges in North Idaho Homeowners with extra space who want to help others Community leaders and nonprofit advocates Anyone interested in building stronger neighborhoods Watch the full episode to learn how simple partnerships between neighbors can create meaningful solutions for housing, connection, and community in Kootenai County. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Homesharing & Community Housing 01:40 – Welcome to the Conversation with Duncan Menzies 02:00 – How Duncan Created the Kootenai Homeshare Idea 03:00 – Rising Housing Costs in Kootenai County 03:25 – Housing Challenges Affecting Local Employment 04:00 – How Homesharing Creates Affordable Housing Options 05:00 – Addressing Loneliness and Isolation for Seniors 06:15 – The Early Inspiration Behind the Homeshare Model 07:00 – Combating the Isolation Movement in Society 07:50 – Why Humans Are Meant to Live in Community 09:30 – Life at The Roosevelt Shared Living Space 10:20 – Shared Responsibility in Community Living 11:30 – Isolation, Depression, and Community Health 13:00 – Housing as a Catalyst for Building Community 13:45 – How Stable Housing Frees People to Serve Others 14:45 – How the Homeshare Program Works Logistically 15:45 – Real-World Examples of Homeshare Pairings 17:30 – Current Housing Needs Within the Program 19:40 – Raising Awareness for Providers and Seekers 20:15 – Early Success Stories from the Homeshare Program 24:00 – The Vision for Homeshare in the Next Five Years 25:15 – Expansion Possibilities in Sandpoint and Spokane 26:00 – Grants and Sponsorships Supporting the Program 28:30 – Community Events Like the “I Love CDA” Series 32:00 – Why Duncan Chose to Put Down Roots in CDA 33:30 – Simple Actions That Build Stronger Communities #BetterTogetherPodcast #AffordableHousing #KootenaiCounty #CommunityHousing #NorthIdahoLiving #SharedHousing #BuildCommunity #HousingSolutions #NeighborHelpingNeighbor #StrongerCommunities, #CommunityConnection #NorthIdaho