“Vermont Edition” Highlights Bartering, Including Home Sharing

On June 15, “Vermont Edition,” the daily public affairs program on Vermont Public Radio, invited Vermonters to share how they are using good old fashioned bartering to cope with the current economic upheaval.

In response, Home Share of Central Vermont sent the following email, which host Jane Lindholm read on the air:

“It’s great that you’re doing a show on bartering, which we believe is definitely one of the ways we can all change, and actually enjoy changing times.

“Bartering is essentially what the state’s two home sharing programs are all about (Home Share of Central Vermont in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties; and HomeShare Vermont in Chittenden, Grand Isle and Addison counties).  There is a reduced stipend involved in many matches — but many others are straight barters.  Typically, they are an exchange of housing (sometimes food as well) for a protective presence, help with cooking, shopping, etc.

“In a good home share match, these barters work out beautifully — in part, because each person helps the other.  This gives greater meaning to each person’s life, as well as reducing financial strains and aging worries.”

Thank you Jane and the Vermont Edition crew for helping spread the word about the benefits of home sharing!