When Loretta Halter and Debbi Campbell are both home, they are roommates who really enjoy doing puzzles and watching TV together.

But they also enjoy alone time. 

While Campbell is in her bedroom, Halter often reads in the living room, which also serves as her sleeping quarters.

What You Need To Know

  • New York Foundation for Senior Citizens offers a housing program that screens and matches a host with an extra bedroom or private space with a compatible guest who is seeking safe and affordable housing within the five boroughs

  • The program began more than 40 years ago and so far about 2,500 clients have been matched
  • With thousands of New Yorkers who may be forced from their homes, following the expiration of the state's eviction moratorium in mid-January, Linda Hoffman, the president of NYFSC, is predicting a rush of applicants

"I love to read,” said Halter, as she showed NY1 her collection of books.

About three years ago, Halter moved into Campbell's one-bedroom apartment in the West Village, as part of a Home Sharing Program run by the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens.

As with many retirees, this Georgia native is on a fixed income.

Halter said this program made it possible to move from Georgia and fulfill her dream of retiring in New York City.

"One of the big things about stability is having food and shelter," said Halter. "I can't thank Debbi enough for putting up with me!

As part of the program, licensed social workers screen the guest and host at no charge in order to match a host with an extra bedroom or private space with a compatible guest who is seeking safe and affordable housing within the five boroughs.

The program began more than 40 years ago and so far about 2,500 clients have been matched.

But now, with thousands of New Yorkers who may be forced from their homes following the expiration of the state's eviction moratorium in mid-January, Linda Hoffman, the president of NYFSC, is predicting a rush of applicants.

"We're very well prepared to assist people as soon as they call in," said Hoffman. "Some are in urgent need because they are in trouble, and we want to help them.”

Hoffman said one challenge is finding more hosts, telling NY1 the ratio of inquiries from guests to hosts is often 3 to 1.

Debbi Campbell said she decided to become host roughly two years after the death of her boyfriend, who had lived with her 17 years. Campbell is grateful for Halter's companionship. She also pays half the rent.

"I was also heartbroken," Campbell said, "but I was interested in enough to want to know Loretta more as a friend. There were two different things going on. Oh, it's just been great, it really has!"

Adults 18 and older are eligible to sign up for the program, but at least one of the participants must be 60 or older.

To find out more about the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, call 212-962-7559 or apply online at nyfsc.org.