The original idea was hatched around the well-worn kitchen table of a humble East Vancouver house. Last spring, writer Charles Montgomery and his various housemates decided to rent one of their rooms inexpensively to an Olympic visitor and spend the proceeds on helping people get off the streets at night.

Now their idea has taken off and, under the name Home for the Games, it is attracting volunteers with digs to offer that are, well, a bit more high end.

Take, for example, the luxurious mountainside retreat in Whistler that belongs to George Peat and his family. It's at the finish line of the of the Olympic Men's Downhill course on Whistler Mountain.

Not too shabby. But the Peats won't be there sipping cocoa and watching who swooshes to gold.

Instead, they are opening their British Columbia vacation home to Olympic visitors and donating all proceeds to charity. Half the charity donation will benefit Home For The Games to help end homelessness.

Now all the Peats need are guests.

'An easy way to give back'

Home For The Games is a non-profit website that matches 2010 Olympic visitors with Whistler and Metro Vancouver hosts for more affordable short-term home stays, with half of the nightly fee directed to charitable organizations working to alleviate homelessness. The Tyee is a sponsor of the project.

"Our family decided to list our home, At Nature's Door, with Home For The Games because we all felt it was the best use for our home during the Olympics and it's supporting a very good cause. We're fortunate to have other options for staying in Whistler when we come up, and donating the proceeds is an easy way to give back to those who are less fortunate," said Peat.

Through homeforthegames.com, citizens can host 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games visitors from around the world, with proceeds going to charities Streetohome Foundation and Covenant House Vancouver.

Peat had been thinking about options for the use of their luxury home during the Olympics. When Peat heard about Home For The Games and its connection to charity, he recognized an opportunity to share the benefits of his successful business career -- which has taken him from Alaska and Texas to Russia, Asia, the U.K. and the Middle East -- with those less fortunate. He and his family divide their time between British Columbia, Washington and southern England, and spend their winters skiing in Whistler.

"We're immensely grateful to George for his generosity in donating his coveted luxury home to support an issue that is much too prevalent in many North American cities. The compassion of George and his family will make a significant contribution in our goal to help end homelessness," said Montgomery, founder of Home For The Games.

How Home for the Games works

Home For The Games both fuels and rewards generosity. There's no fee to list or book a room on the website, and hosts will receive a tax receipt for the portion of the home stay fee that goes to charity. Hosts set their own rates, which will factor in such amenities as shared or private bath and whether breakfast is included, but are encouraged to set more affordable rates.

"We're harnessing the energy of the Games to foster friendship, generosity and a cultural exchange while giving back to the community. Thanks to the generosity and compassion of people like George, we'll provide visitors with a positive and memorable Olympic experience and help our more vulnerable citizens. We invite visitors looking for a unique, socially-conscious accommodation experience to book a room through Home For The Games," said Montgomery.

The innovative project he helped start has grown into an initiative endorsed in October by the Vancouver city council.

The motion acknowledges Home For The Games' efforts to help the city's most vulnerable citizens and provide a solution to the Winter Games accommodation shortage. It also pledges the City of Vancouver's support in promoting the organization's efforts.

Goal of raising $750,000

"Our goal is to raise $750,000 through rental fees and donations, and we invite people with a room to rent in their home to help us reach this goal. Thanks to the support of the Vancouver city council and the citizens of the city, we're gaining ground on our mission to help fight homelessness," said Tracey Axelsson, acting project manager with Home For The Games.

"I applaud the work the organizers of Home for the Games have done in leveraging the Games to help those who are most in need," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. He called Home for the Games "an inspiring example of a positive community legacy from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

The charity was commended as well by Councillor Ellen Woodsworth who encouraged home owners to "support this unique opportunity by opening their homes to Games visitors."

"People in Vancouver are both wonderful hosts and philanthropic at heart, and I hope they will take advantage of this opportunity by supporting Home For The Games," said Councillor Suzanne Anton.

To list a room or learn more about Home For The Games, visit the website.