FAQ — Midwest Housing Solutions

Question 1

What is shared housing?

Accepted Answer

Shared housing means you have your own private bedroom in a fully furnished home while sharing common areas — kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and laundry — with a small number of housemates. It combines the privacy of your own space with the affordability and community of a shared home.

Question 2

What is included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Everything. Your flat monthly rate covers your furnished bedroom, all utilities (electricity, gas, water), high-speed internet, laundry access, and household supplies. There are no hidden fees or surprise bills.

Question 3

How many people will I share the home with?

Accepted Answer

Most of our homes house between three and six residents. We keep house sizes small intentionally — so every resident has enough space, privacy, and quiet to feel genuinely at home.

Question 4

Where are your properties located?

Accepted Answer

We currently operate homes in Nashville, Tennessee and Cleveland, Ohio. Both markets have properties in accessible neighborhoods close to transit, grocery stores, and community services.

Question 5

Who is eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

We serve adults who need stable, affordable housing — including older adults, veterans, people returning from incarceration, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. We use fair, flexible screening. A criminal background alone does not disqualify you.

Question 6

How do I apply for housing?

Accepted Answer

You can reach out directly through our Contact page or ask a case manager, social worker, or housing navigator to submit a referral on your behalf. We'll walk you through the next steps from there.

Question 7

How quickly can I move in?

Accepted Answer

We work to place residents as quickly as possible — often within a few days of a completed application when a room is available. We understand that housing instability is urgent, and we don't make people wait unnecessarily.

Question 8

Do I need to have income or a job to qualify?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. We work with individuals at various stages of stability, including those receiving SSI, disability benefits, veterans' benefits, or other forms of assistance. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Question 9

How long can I stay?

Accepted Answer

Our housing is not time-limited. We're not a shelter or a transitional program with a mandatory exit date. Residents can stay as long as they remain in good standing and continue to meet the terms of their housing agreement.

Question 10

Are there house rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All residents agree to a housing agreement that covers things like guest policies, quiet hours, shared space upkeep, and respectful conduct. These rules exist to protect everyone in the home and create a stable, dignified living environment.

Question 11

Who can submit a referral?

Accepted Answer

Any professional working with individuals in housing need — case managers, social workers, reentry coordinators, veterans' service officers, hospital discharge planners, nonprofit staff, and others. We welcome referrals from organizations of all sizes.

Question 12

How do I refer a client?

Accepted Answer

Use the referral form on our Referral Partners page. You'll provide basic information about yourself, your organization, and your client's situation. We'll follow up promptly — typically within one business day.

Question 13

What happens after I submit a referral?

Accepted Answer

Our team reviews the referral and reaches out to you to discuss fit, availability, and next steps. We keep you informed throughout the process so you can stay connected to your client's housing outcome.

Question 14

Will my client be turned away because of a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. We use fair, individualized screening. We understand that many of the people we serve have justice involvement in their history, and we evaluate each person's full situation rather than applying a blanket exclusion.

Question 15

Is there a cost to partner with us or submit referrals?

Accepted Answer

No. Referring a client to Midwest Housing Solutions is completely free for partner organizations. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to connect the people you serve with stable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Shared Housing

For Prospective Residents

For Referral Partners

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