In the Bay Area's tough housing market, a new startup called JoeyCo matches college students with aging homeowners needing extra support at home — offering affordable rent in exchange for assistance with daily tasks.
- Students live affordably by assisting older homeowners with daily tasks.
- Homeowners receive companionship and personalized support at home.
- Flexible arrangements balance student schedules with homeowner needs.
What happened
Alison Donnally, inspired by personal family experiences and the au pair childcare model, launched JoeyCo to address two growing challenges: housing affordability for students and support for isolated aging homeowners. The startup connects college students seeking affordable living with retired homeowners who need light assistance and companionship.
Through JoeyCo, students, called Joeys, work part-time helping with tasks like grocery shopping, pet care, transportation, and meal preparation. In return, they receive affordable rent based on the hours they work, fostering a symbiotic relationship. Hosts pay fees that cover the matching process and ongoing support services provided by the company.
Why it feels good
This intergenerational living arrangement benefits both parties deeply. Older adults gain meaningful company and personalized help that enables them to continue living independently and with dignity in their own homes. Meanwhile, students find stable, budget-friendly housing close to campus that fits around their studies and activities.
Stories like that of Nanik Tagore, who supports an elderly couple while paying reduced rent, highlight the warmth and mutual respect this model fosters. Tagore calls the experience rewarding rather than work, while his hosts appreciate the freedom and social connection they regain through his presence.
What to enjoy or watch next
JoeyCo’s approach could inspire communities beyond the Bay Area to explore similar intergenerational solutions tailored to local housing and eldercare challenges. For students and retirees interested in this model, checking out the startup’s website offers details on how to apply and what the partnership involves.
As this innovative model grows, keeping an eye on its impact on housing affordability and senior wellbeing could reveal new ways that community-focused living arrangements create thriving, supportive neighborhoods that span generations.