Kayla Mazza, 31, rents a room in the home of Honey Donegan, 77, through a nonprofit that pairs younger renters with seniors.
She pays $650 per month - a reduced rate - to ease Donegan's finances while pitching in on occasional chores.
The data analyst and part-time nanny share a harmonious living arrangement filled with common interests.

This account draws from an interview with Kayla Mazza, 31, a data analyst and systems manager from Windsor County, Vermont. It has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Each evening at 7 p.m., my housemate Honey Donegan, 77, and I gather in her den for Jeopardy. Fridays turn into movie nights. These routines create meaningful connections despite our 46-year age difference.

Honey and I connected in March 2023, and our relationship has grown steadily since I moved into her place.

Earlier that year, I accepted a position at a nonprofit close to her town - an hour's drive from my parents' house in Waterbury, Vermont. I stayed with them short-term while searching for local housing.

The hunt proved frustrating. Affordable options were scarce, with shared rooms in group houses frequently topping $1,000 monthly.

Participants like me are not formal caregivers

My role at the nonprofit came with a salary reduction from my prior job. Often, I fell short of income thresholds for standard leases.

A family member introduced me to HomeShare Vermont, a service linking homeowners with extra space - typically seniors - to individuals seeking budget-friendly lodging.

The model suits everyone involved financially. Hosts gain companionship, and guests might lend a hand with everyday tasks.

While not classified as caregivers, guests could assist with preparing meals, running errands, or driving to appointments.

Both sides undergo screening by the group. I was thrilled to pair with Honey, a part-time nanny residing in a spacious four-bedroom house within a homeowners association.

We agreed on $650 monthly rent - the program's ceiling for such setups - along with a share of utilities.

This exceeded the typical $380 guests pay through HomeShare, as Honey required minimal support. Other matches demand more commitment, like overnight stays or scheduled aid hours.

Boundaries were established upfront

The setup fits my schedule perfectly. With a demanding full-time job, plus frequent family trips and travel, flexibility matters.

Honey stands out as the most energetic senior I know, energized by her work with young children.

We outlined duties beforehand, including caring for her pets - two cats, two dogs, and fish - during her absences or stacking firewood come winter.

Our chemistry clicked instantly. We've never required the organization's intervention for any disputes.

Common passions strengthen our bond

Beyond Jeopardy and comedies, we bond over hikes, dog walks, and swims in a local lake.

We align on politics and share a love for reading. Honey's deep empathy means she supports my weekend book marathons without question.

We freely discuss generational differences. Overall, the deal saves money while offering intellectual and emotional enrichment for us both.