My name is Elvina Beck, and I founded PodShare — a co-living network across California that provides low-barrier, same-day housing for people who need a safe, stable place to land. At PodShare, guests don’t need a security deposit, proof of income, a credit score, or long-term commitment. People can stay by the night, week, or month, move between our locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, and get inside immediately without applications or delays.
I built this model because I once needed it myself. Years ago, I faced foreclosure and was couch-surfing while trying to rebuild my life. A place like PodShare would have helped me feel safe, connected, and supported — so when I got back on my feet, I created it. I lived in it, learned from it, and watched strangers build community around each other.
What inspires me most is seeing someone come home from work, cook a meal in our shared kitchen, watch a game with people they just met, and feel part of a community again. PodShare isn’t meant to be perfect — it’s meant to be a stepping stone. People save up, meet roommates, transition into their next chapter, or simply stabilize during a difficult time. We also partner with nonprofits like Safe Place for Youth, HousingWorks, and HOPICS to provide sponsored stays through their voucher programs.
My passion for this work comes from my gratitude for this country. I immigrated from the former USSR at age six, and in 2008, I proudly became a U.S. citizen after years of standing before judges, showing my grades and achievements, and promising to be a contributing member of this nation. That oath meant everything to me. Giving back is how I honor it.
As an American, I believe in lifting others up, creating access, and offering a safe place for people to restart. Helping others isn’t just what I do — it’s what I feel called to do. This work makes me proud, hopeful, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
I built this model because I once needed it myself. Years ago, I faced foreclosure and was couch-surfing while trying to rebuild my life. A place like PodShare would have helped me feel safe, connected, and supported — so when I got back on my feet, I created it. I lived in it, learned from it, and watched strangers build community around each other.
What inspires me most is seeing someone come home from work, cook a meal in our shared kitchen, watch a game with people they just met, and feel part of a community again. PodShare isn’t meant to be perfect — it’s meant to be a stepping stone. People save up, meet roommates, transition into their next chapter, or simply stabilize during a difficult time. We also partner with nonprofits like Safe Place for Youth, HousingWorks, and HOPICS to provide sponsored stays through their voucher programs.
My passion for this work comes from my gratitude for this country. I immigrated from the former USSR at age six, and in 2008, I proudly became a U.S. citizen after years of standing before judges, showing my grades and achievements, and promising to be a contributing member of this nation. That oath meant everything to me. Giving back is how I honor it.
As an American, I believe in lifting others up, creating access, and offering a safe place for people to restart. Helping others isn’t just what I do — it’s what I feel called to do. This work makes me proud, hopeful, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.