AUGUSTA, Maine — A state agency prepared this week to launch a matchmaking pilot program, complete with background checks and compatibility tests.
Instead of romance, though, the program would pair Mainers—often young—searching for an increasingly rare affordable place to stay, with older homeowners living with an empty nest, room to spare, and a need for more income.
In July 2023, the state legislature passed a bill championed by Saco Democrat Representative Maggie O'Neil, compelling MaineHousing to create such a program. On Wednesday, director Dan Brennan explained how, through a bidding process, his office had chosen Boston-based company Nesterly to run the program, as it has in other states. The deal pays Nesterly $200,000 to carry the load, including all background checks and other vetting. At the end of 2024, MaineHousing will review results.
The potential financial benefits for both parties are obvious. Brennan explained desired results go much further.
"Loneliness is a big deal in the older population in Maine; and, also, allowing people to stay in their homes as they age into their older years," he said. "These things are very important and very serious."
Paul Armstrong wants a roommate.
The 64-year-old disabled Palermo resident testified in favor of O'Neil's bill and planned to soon offer a room, along with views of Katahdin and Mt. Washington on clear days, for a reasonable rent and a little help in the garden.
"These winters are long," he said, during a Wednesday Zoom interview from his home. "I live alone with my two dogs... I think having company would be great."
Jess Maurer, executive director of the Maine Council on Aging, had been working for a solution like this for a decade. She clarified that this program would not appeal to all Mainers; some simply like living alone. But, for a social person dealing with an empty home, she said, real issues like depression and isolation can happen. Adding someone can help.
"[It] breathes new life into the person, because they’re having human interaction on a day-to-day basis, which they are very used to and they are missing," she said.
Noel Bonam, Maine director for the AARP, said there are 500,000+ homes with an open bedroom in the state and a growing number of seniors living alone.
"This program creates an opportunity to address that, which is significant outside the financial impact of this program," Bonam said. "It really offers older adults and home seekers the opportunity to connect with another person."
For Armstrong, it’s not just financial or emotional; it’s safety in numbers.
"My closest neighbors are a quarter mile in each direction," he said. "God forbid I took a bad fall or something. I don’t have a phone. I don’t have one of those, 'Help me, I dropped my beer and can’t get up' things. I’d be in trouble."
He said the program would be open for homeowners only to sign up for the first three months, in order to establish the supply-side of things. Then potential renters can find a match for a short-term home after that.