St. Louis Startup Looks To Bring Sharing Economy To Housing

ST. LOUIS, MO — A new startup is trying to bring the sharing economy to housing in St. Louis. Founded by John Levis, Odd Couples Housing bills itself as a solution for both older homeowners wanting to remain independent and young adults who can't afford skyrocketing rental costs.

Levis says he saw those challenges firsthand in his own family.

"This idea emanated out of a situation that my wife was in, where she was an only child, and her mother and an aunt were living in two condominiums," he said. "They got to the point where they were only using one bedroom and one bath, and I said this is crazy."

About the same time, Levis' friend shared a story about his nephew moving in with his mother. An idea dawned on him.

"I thought, there have got to be other seniors who aren't ready for assisted living and are looking for a solution to stretch their dollars a bit more," he said.

So Levis started asking around and found the situation common among many of the families he talked to. Thinking the idea could work for them too, he began working with the psychology department at Washington University to create an algorithm to match young adults seeking housing to seniors with room to spare, similar to the way some popular dating apps match singles.

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"By 2050 the senior population is expected to double. Meanwhile, housing options for seniors are limited. A roommate service that matches seniors to younger companions provides greater housing at a lower cost," the company says. "This service has attractive benefits for the senior and younger roommate. The owner can age at home, leading to a longer, higher quality of life. The more youthful roommate receives a more financially sound living arrangement. Both find a new friend."

Seekers, as the company calls them, can contribute to the home's utility and grocery bills, as well as help with technology support, lawn care or light housekeeping, while homeowners provide an affordable place to live.

Levis cautioned that there is no caregiving component to the program, which is designed for healthy, active homeowners and seekers. He said the program would be perfect for graduate students or mature young adults, as well as retired seniors or empty-nesters.

"International students in particular like the idea because it gives them a chance to really get to know Americans and also practice English," he said, adding that he is working to develop cross-cultural education programs to make the transition easier for people who open their homes to international students and the students themselves.

The company's website features an algorithm to suggest compatible matches, and Odd Couples will set up an in-person meeting between homeowners and seekers, enable background checks through partner companies, facilitate written agreements, and even mediate disputes.

The program is just launching, so anyone interested can register to be among the first try the new housing concept.

For more information, call 314-925-2003, email communications@oddcoupleshousing.com, or follow OCH on Facebook.

Photo by Brian Goodman/Shutterstock