Saint Anne's Aging Services

How does it work?

Our Companion Volunteer Program connects caring community members with older adults to provide friendship, social engagement, and light, non-medical assistance. Volunteers offer support through activities like grocery shopping, meal preparation, running errands, and friendly visits—helping foster meaningful relationships and reduce isolation.

St. Anne’s Aging Services receives inquiries from potential Companions (Become a Volunteer) and Recipients (Request a Volunteer) through completed online applications. You can also call 605-348-6086 to learn more about the program.

Applications are carefully reviewed, and we may follow up by phone or email to clarify details or complete missing information. Once all forms are finalized, the matching process begins. Please note: there is no guaranteed timeframe for matching, and matches are not guaranteed.

This is not an emergency service or a caregiving arrangement.

Eligibility Requirements

Recipient Requirements

• Age 62 years or older.
• Reside in the Rapid City metro area.
  

Volunteer Requirements

• Commit to regular visits and companionship activities.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Provide three verifiable references.
• Complete orientation and training before being matched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Companion Program safe?
Yes. All volunteers undergo background checks and reference verification to ensure safety and trustworthiness.

How long does it take to be matched?
Once your application is complete, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. There is no set timeframe, as matches depend on availability and compatibility.

Does the program provide emergency assistance or medical care?
No. This program focuses on companionship and light, non-medical support. It is not a substitute for professional caregiving or emergency services.

Is there a cost to participate?
No. The Companion Volunteer Program is a free community service.

How does it work?

Home-sharing enables two or more unrelated people to share housing for their mutual benefit. A home provider (Age 62+) offers a private bedroom and shared common area in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of the two. Every home-sharing arrangement is unique. It’s about people helping people and creating affordable housing. It is an answer for some people to the high-rent crisis and increasingly isolated aging population. This approach has been proven successful in 60+ programs nationwide.

St. Anne's Aging Services receives inquiries from potential Providers and Seekers via the completed home seeker or home provider application. You can also call 605-348-6086 to find out more about the program.

Applications are carefully reviewed and a call or e-mail may be sent to clarify or complete missing information. Once all forms are complete, the matching process will begin. There are no time frames for matching Providers and Seekers, nor is there any guarantee that you will be matched.

Please be aware that this is not an emergency shelter program nor is it a caregiving arrangement.

Eligibility Requirements

Home-Provider (i.e homeowner) requirements

• Age 62 years or older
• The utilities, property taxes, and mortgage payments must be in good standing and the home cannot be in jeopardy of foreclosure or eviction.
• Must have all working large appliances and have a bedroom for the Home Seeker to use.
• Provide 3 verifiable references.
• Home must be in the Rapid City metro area and they must use their home as their primary residence.

Home-Seeker (i.e. renter) requirements

• Have proof of steady income through employment or a student housing income.
• Provide three verifiable references and pass criminal background checks.
• Participate in at least five meetups with potential homeowner match before a decision is made and a home share agreement is written. Out of those five meet-ups, CSS staff will be at least present for the first three meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Home Share safe?
Home Share provides an added layer of security as both seekers and providers must pass a criminal background check in addition to having a character reference check.

How long does it take to be matched?
Once an application is complete, a home share seeker is placed on a waiting list for available opportunities. There is no set timeframe as each setting is different and each person has their own unique needs.

Can I view available rooms before completing an application?
No, a completed application is needed before we can share any details of available opportunities.

Does Home Share provide immediate housing?
No, as there is no timeframe of how soon a match can be made, we recommend seekers have suitable housing while they wait for their match.

How much is the average rent being charged?
The average rent a seeker can expect to pay is between $600-700/month but varies with each provider.