Years after her spouse passed away,
Tammy rediscovered comfort
companionship, and financial
stability through shared living.
Talking with Tamasin, Housemate from Toronto
My name's Tamasin Ashby. My husband died six years ago. So, it gets a little difficult being lonely, and the extra income actually helps, too. But it's nice to have another person there.
Tell us about how you met your Sparrow housemate.
I had Gabriella get in touch with me, and she sounded great. She's from Peru, studying graphic design, and the school she was going to isn't too far from where I am; you can get there on the bus. She's very nice, quiet, and comes and goes. I have no rules, just clean up after yourself and don't leave messes.
What is it like living with Gabriella?
It's gone really well. The one thing I have difficulty with is needing someone to clean my bathtub because I can't get down to clean it in the apartment.
"When you're an older person like myself, it's nice to have someone else there for your own safety and sense of security."
What are the benefits of homesharing in your opinion?
Well, I think it not only benefits the host, it also benefits the person that's moving in, too. You have a nice home. You basically have everything set up.
How has your experience been using Sparrow?
It's been very positive. It helps you mentally because you can get lonely being alone. After my husband died, I was alone for a long time, and I was sort of, like even going out with friends and doing stuff. You're coming back, you walk in, you don't say hello, nothing. And it's nice to have someone there that you talk to, because that's a big thing. It's hard when you get older and you're alone all the time, it's nice to have that additional extra income because it helps you.
Would you recommend homesharing to others?
Oh, yeah. I would recommend it to a lot of people. I mean, if you have a bedroom that's not being used, these students need it. Seriously, these people that are coming here to Canada to go to school, a lot of times you can't stay on campus. Those places are all taken up. There's no place to stay. As far as trying to rent an apartment by yourself, you can't do that. It's just too much money. And it's like, there are so many people that have the space, and it's like, if you've got the space, do it.
Do you have a spare bedroom?
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