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We designed this exchange to be accessible to Housemates who have jobs or are in school. Hosts looking to be matched tell us what tasks they will need help with and at what time of day. We match you with a Host who lives in your desired area and whose needs are compatible with your schedule. Many tasks can be done in the morning, evenings, or on weekends. For example:
Laundry: It doesn't matter when this is done as long as it is completed each week
Dinner preparation: This can be done once you finish work or classes
Ride to appointments: If the Host has a time-specific need like this we will only match them with someone who has the flexibility help at this time
Beyond matching for compatible schedules, we also strive to match you with a Host with a compatible personality to foster companionship.
We do background checks on all potential Hosts. We also interview them and only introduce you to qualified ones. It’s important to note that you have the ultimate decision to move in. We present Hosts to you and you choose if you want them to live with them.
Housing Management
Our job is to create successful matches. Therefore, you'll only be charged after you've been matched with someone who you're excited to move in with.
$45
billed monthly while housed with an Obi Host
Housing exchange management and contract generation.
Financial transition support for unexpected terminations.
Background check and interviews for both parties.
This equates to you paying less than $1.5 per day for housing and utilities. While your costs remain low you are providing your Host with affordable assistance and companionship. Its a win-win.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What would I have to do each week?
Obi Helpers aims to create a match that feels more like a friend lending a hand at home rather than a strict employer-employee arrangement. Instead of focusing on clocked hours, we prioritize the completion of tasks. With the assistance of an Obi team member, Hosts outline tasks that can be accomplished by the Helper within a weekly timeframe of 10 hours. However, we typically allocate only 8 hours to planned tasks, reserving the final hour for any spontaneous needs or errands that may arise.
Your week's tasks will ultimately be shaped by your Host's specific needs, but here's a snapshot of what a typical week might entail:
Washing and folding laundry.
Vacuuming and organizing common areas.
Overseeing trash disposal and ensuring dishes are cleaned and put away.
Driving the Host to and from an appointment or two.
Undertaking a grocery shopping trip.
Cooking two dinners and taking care of the cleanup.
What's truly advantageous about this setup is the innate that many of the chores, such as preparing meals, are activities you'd already be engaged in for yourself. Cooking dinner? Simply whip up an extra portion for the Host. Doing your laundry? Just include a few more loads. The essence of this relationship is shared living, making the duties feel less like work and more like the natural routines of daily life.
What is provided to me for my work? Am I being well paid?
Joining Obi as a Helper brings substantial housing perks. You're provided with a private bedroom furnished with a bed and storage facilities, be it a closet or dresser, that is yours for the duration of the match rent-free. Though linens aren't mandatory, many Hosts do offer them. You'll also have access to a bathroom, common areas, and a kitchen stocked with necessary tools for food preparation, from cookware to designated storage space in the refrigerator. All utilities, including water, gas, electric, trash, and Wi-Fi, are covered by the Host.
These basic provisions are just the starting point. Many Hosts go above and beyond, offering perks like parking, additional storage, garden access, housing in prime locations, and residences that surpass the comfort and luxury of the average one-bedroom apartment. Your exact benefits will largely depend on the particular Host with whom you are paired.
Our match is meticulously crafted to offer mutual benefits for both Helpers and Hosts. Helpers are well compensated with free housing and utilities in exchange for a few hours of assistance each week. Depending on rent in your area your effective compensation can range from $20-30 per hour in rent reduction. On top of this you don't have to worry about inconvenient shifts, commuting to work, or difficult tasks. You work where you live, your tasks are selected to fit your schedule, and many of the tasks you're assisting with you'd already be doing.
Bear in mind that your services are compensated through a complete reduction in rent rather than direct monetary payments. This payment method allows Helpers to be compensated at such a high rate for assistance with tasks.
What are the requirements to be a Helper?
To be considered as a Helper for Obi Helpers there are several essential criteria:
Age Requirement: Helpers must be 18 years of age or older. There is no maximum age, so long as the Helper can complete their tasks.
Background Check: Every potential Helper must undergo a comprehensive background check. This taps into national databases and includes a 7-year county criminal search.
Financial Commitments: Helpers are obligated to pay a matching fee along with a $300 deposit. The deposit will be fully refunded if there are no damages beyond normal wear and tear, and if you do not quit without providing at least 30-days notice, as detailed here. If such damages exist you will receive the $300 deposit back, minus the cost of those damages.
Duration of Stay: A commitment to a 6-month housing agreement.
Dependability: Being consistent and dependable is crucial. Hosts and their families will rely on Helpers for vital tasks, such as transportation to medical appointments.
House Rules: Helpers must respect and abide by the Host's house rules, which might include no smoking indoors, designated quiet hours, and limitations on overnight guests. Helpers will be able to read these rules before committing to a match.
Genuine Interest: Beyond just performing tasks, Helpers should genuinely be interested in getting to know their Host and contributing positively to the household atmosphere.
Additional Considerations:
Possession of a car or driver's license is not a mandatory requirement. We ensure that we match Helpers with Hosts whose tasks align with the Helper's qualifications and abilities.
Helpers can apply with pets, partners, or children, but this might limit the number of available Hosts open to such arrangements.
FAQ
For more information about Obi Helpers including our built in safety measures and refunds policy.