How Homesharing Is Rebuilding Community in North Idaho

Описание: 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