Home Match Pinole

Free Home‑Sharing Services for Home Providers & Home Seekers

The City of Pinole partners with Home Match, operated by Front Porch, through a City service contract to offer completely free home‑sharing and tenant‑matching services for Pinole residents. Home Match helps connect people with extra space to individuals seeking safe, affordable housing—creating stable, supportive living arrangements within the community.

“Two people sitting on a sofa in a bright living room, each holding a mug, engaged in conversation. A small plant in a white pot sits on a table behind them, and sheer curtains allow soft natural light into the space.

I’m Looking for Housing

I Have a Room to Share

What is Home Matching?

Home matching connects people who have a spare room, ADU, or JADU with people seeking affordable housing. This approach:

Supports residents who wish to age in place
Helps homeowners make better use of their space
Offers affordable rent to home seekers
Builds connections and reduces isolation
Makes efficient use of existing housing
Helps local employees, including educators, find homes close to work

Home sharing is a key strategy in Pinole’s Housing Element Program 11: Home Sharing and Tenant Matching.

Sharing living expenses can make day‑to‑day costs more manageable. By splitting rent, utilities, and other household expenses, participants can enjoy a more affordable lifestyle and maintain long‑term stability. This financial flexibility allows many residents to remain in their communities even as housing costs rise.

Shared housing helps reduce isolation by connecting individuals with compatible homemates. This arrangement encourages interaction and companionship, which can positively influence physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Living with others fosters a sense of support and builds meaningful relationships.

Home sharing is more than splitting costs—it’s about creating a supportive and enriching living environment. Participants often share daily routines, responsibilities, and common spaces, forming a sense of community and belonging. These shared experiences can make a home feel more welcoming and connected

Through the Home Match program, home providers can request up to 10 hours per week of assistance with household tasks in exchange for reduced rent. These tasks may include activities such as grocery shopping, light housekeeping, or other agreed‑upon responsibilities. This cooperative arrangement benefits both parties and supports a mutually beneficial living environment.

How Home Match Works

Home Match provides a streamlined, supportive experience at no cost to Pinole residents. Services include:

Ongoing support throughout the match
Preparing and listing rooms, ADUs, or JADUs
Participant screening
Personalized introductions
Assistance with lease agreements

Who Can Participate?

Home Seekers

If you are looking for a stable, affordable housing option in Pinole and want to:

Find a safe, budget‑friendly living arrangement within the community
Live closer to work, school, or family connections
Explore shared housing as an alternative to rising rental costs
Receive free personalized matching and ongoing support through Home Match

Find Housing in Contra Costa County

Home Providers

If you have a spare bedroom, ADU, or JADU and want to:

Earn supplemental income and make good use of available space
Stay in your home longer and benefit from shared living
Receive free support to list your space, screen participants, and meet compatible matches
Get help with lease agreements and ongoing assistance throughout a shared housing arrangement

Become a Home Provider

Pinole’s Commitment to Shared Housing

The Home Sharing and Tenant Matching Program aligns with Pinole’s Housing Element goals to expand affordable housing choices and support residents across generations.

Key efforts include:

Partnerships with organizations such as Home Match to expand shared housing options
Exploration of additional shared‑housing programs through the Community Services Commission
Development of how‑to guides for ADUs, JADUs, and shared housing (Housing Element Program 23)
Outreach through the Pinole Senior Center, community organizations, and local schools

These efforts help seniors, local workers, and residents of all ages find accessible, affordable housing in Pinole.

Get Started with Home Match

Whether you’re offering a space or seeking one, Home Match provides personalized, hands‑on support at no cost.

Connect with Home Match

Learn About ADUs & JADUs in Pinole

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Match Program?

Home Match is a free home‑sharing and tenant‑matching program operated by Front Porch and supported by the City of Pinole through a service contract. The program connects homeowners with extra space to individuals seeking safe, affordable housing in Contra Costa County. Whether you have a spare room or are looking for one, Home Match offers personalized matching, thorough screening, and ongoing support to help create successful and comfortable living arrangements.

With a streamlined and simplified process, Home Match helps reduce isolation, fosters connections, and supports a more financially sustainable lifestyle for participants. Through the program, staff:

List and prepare rooms to rent
Screen participants thoroughly
Make personal introductions
Facilitate lease agreements
Provide ongoing support

Home Match is designed to expand affordable housing opportunities while helping residents build meaningful connections. All services are completely free for participants.

Is there a fee to participate?

No. Home Match services are provided at no cost to participants.

Does the City of Pinole manage the program?

No. The Home Match program is operated by Front Porch. The City of Pinole has a partnership with Front Porch and provides this service as a housing resource for residents.

Does Home Match perform background checks?

Yes. Home Match conducts screening and reference checks as part of the matching process.

How does screening work?

Home Match conducts a thorough background screening on all participants—both home providers and home seekers—before any introductions are made. This screening typically includes identity verification, reference checks, and safety assessments to help ensure that the individuals involved are suitable for shared living. This step helps create peace of mind for everyone and supports safe, successful home‑sharing matches.

Who chooses the match?

Both the homeowner and home seeker decide whether to move forward after meeting. No match is made unless both parties agree.

Can renters participate or only homeowners?

Home seekers may be renters or homeowners—anyone in need of an affordable room in Pinole can participate. Home providers must have the legal authority to offer a room, ADU, or JADU for rent. This means homeowners, and in some cases renters with landlord approval, may serve as home providers. Home Match can help clarify eligibility if someone is unsure about their specific situation.

Do I need a formal lease?

Yes. Home Match encourages all participants to use a written lease or living‑together agreement to ensure that expectations are clear for both home providers and home seekers. The program will assist with creating this agreement and help walk both parties through key topics such as rent amount, household responsibilities, quiet hours, shared spaces, and length of stay. The goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable, informed, and prepared before the arrangement begins.

What if the match doesn’t work out?

Home Match offers ongoing support throughout the entire home‑sharing arrangement. If concerns arise or if the match does not feel like the right fit, Home Match can help mediate conversations, address issues, and—if needed—rematch participants with others in the program. This continued support is designed to help residents feel secure and supported both before and after moving in.