A new housing initiative is seeking to ease pressure on the island’s rental market while helping older residents stay in their homes for longer.
PorchLight, founded by former Island Escapes director Jamie Stott, brings together three services: an Intergenerational Home Share Scheme, a Lodging Service, and Mid-Term Lets.
The home share scheme pairs older homeowners with younger sharers, offering companionship, light support and affordable accommodation under one roof.
The lodging service provides a fully managed way for homeowners to earn extra income, while mid-term lets offer a flexible option for those relocating to the island, people between homes, or overseas workers seeking an alternative to long-term contracts.
Challenges
Jamie Stott said: “I believe the answer to two of our island’s greatest challenges, the housing crisis and the loneliness epidemic, lies not in building more walls, but in opening more doors.”
He added: “Through PorchLight, we bring generations together to share homes, stories and support. Our services help homeowners safely open their spare rooms to those seeking an affordable and safe place to live.
“Together, we’re lighting homes, linking lives and rebuilding the sense of community we all need to thrive.”
PorchLight handles all administration, including DBS checks and first-aid training for those taking part in the intergenerational scheme.
More information can be found at www.porchlight.im.