THUNDER BAY, ON – September 23, 2024 – Confederation College is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with SpacesShared, an innovative online platform designed to address the growing challenge of affordable student housing in Thunder Bay.
SpacesShared connects students seeking safe and affordable housing with community members who have spare rooms to rent. This home-sharing solution increases the supply of student housing and encourages intergenerational engagement, benefiting both students and the broader Thunder Bay community.
“At Confederation College, ensuring our students have access to affordable, safe, and suitable housing has always been a top priority,” said Mike Rozic, Director of Public Safety and Risk Management at Confederation College. “This collaboration with SpacesShared is another step in our ongoing efforts to support our students’ housing needs. It compliments our existing initiatives, such as lowering our residence fees and increasing our on-campus housing capacity.”
The SpacesShared platform uses a sophisticated algorithm to match students and hosts based on preferences, location, and personality. Safety is paramount, with students and hosts required to verify their identity, undergo background checks, and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure a secure and supportive living environment.
“We’re excited to partner with Confederation College to expand our impact in Thunder Bay,” said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO. “Our platform not only offers students affordable housing options but also provides residents a unique opportunity to engage with and support the next generation while earning extra income. It’s a win-win for the entire community.”
The platform also offers a unique “Helpers Discount” feature. Students can assist with pre-approved household tasks, receiving a 5% rent reduction for each hour of weekly help provided. This arrangement can make housing more affordable for students while offering practical support to hosts.
Confederation College has consistently prioritized affordable student housing. In addition to maintaining the lowest residence fees in Ontario, the College has recently increased its on-campus housing capacity and renovated common spaces, including adding a new communal kitchen cooking area. The partnership with SpacesShared represents another innovative approach to expanding student housing options.
This initiative is part of Confederation College’s broader strategy to ensure students can focus on their education without the stress of finding suitable accommodation. By providing diverse and affordable housing solutions, the College aims to enhance the overall student experience and contribute to academic success.
Community members interested in becoming hosts or students looking for housing can learn more about home-sharing and register for a free account at www.spacesshared.ca.
