About George’s

Founded in November 2022, Jane’s Shared Housing Foundation is a California-based nonprofit dedicated to creating shared housing solutions for at-risk youth. With tax-exempt status and leadership led by President George Knowlton III and Vice President Taylor Knowlton, the foundation builds safe, nurturing environments that empower young people toward independence and well-being.

Our homes offer fully furnished living spaces, weekly housekeeping, laundry assistance, life-skills coaching, and community-building activities that foster connection and support for residents. We collaborate with care partners and community providers to meet individual needs.

George’s Story

George’s journey of service began at age ten through volunteer work with Special Olympics. Over the years, he continued serving in latch-key programs, youth sports, and mission projects, shaping his belief that every person deserves safety, support, and dignity.

To honor his late wife, Jane Knowlton, and her belief in fair, stable housing, George founded Jane’s Shared Housing Foundation. His guiding SMILE Philosophy stands for Safe, Moral, Inclusive, clear in Language, and rich in Experiential value—principles that now define the foundation’s mission.

About Taylor

Taylor Rose Knowlton was a bright and tender soul whose presence brought softness into every room she entered. She had a natural way of caring for others, offering comfort through small, quiet gestures that carried deep meaning. A kind smile when someone felt left out. A gentle word when a friend was hurting. A peaceful calm that made people feel safe simply by being near her. Taylor saw the world with a sensitive heart, and she met people where they were, without judgment or hesitation.

Even though her time here was far too short, her spirit's impact continues to ripple outward. Taylor’s life reminds us of the importance of compassion, connection, and listening with our whole hearts. She inspired others to slow down, to check on the people they love, and to show kindness in ways that often go unnoticed but never go unfelt.

Taylor’s House will be created to carry forward that same spirit of care. It will be a place where hurting teens can find safety, understanding, and a chance to breathe again. Every warm meal, every supportive conversation, and every moment of healing within its walls will reflect the love Taylor shared so freely.

Her legacy will live in the promise that no young person should ever feel alone, and that gentle souls like Taylor will continue to guide us toward hope.

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George’s Story: The Heart Behind Jane’s Shared Housing Foundation and Taylor’s House

George’s path of service started when he was just ten years old, volunteering with Special Olympics. Even at that young age, he saw how a simple act of kindness could change someone’s day. As he grew, he kept showing up for others. He’s worked on latch-key programs and coached youth sports for various municipalities, and worked on mission projects both locally and around the world. These moments shaped the way he saw people: every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued.

That belief grew into what he now calls the SMILE Philosophy, creating solutions that are Safe, Moral, Inclusive, clear in their Language, and rich in real-life Experiential value. It became the backbone of how he leads, builds, and cares for people.

When George lost his wife, Jane Knowlton, he wanted to honor the way she lived her life. Jane believed that stable, sustainable housing should never depend on luck or circumstance. To carry that belief forward, George founded Jane’s Shared Housing Foundation, a shared-housing model designed to give people from all walks of life a home where they can breathe, rebuild, and belong.

That same heart now continues through Taylor’s House, created in loving memory of George’s daughter, Taylor Rose Knowlton. In a meaningful twist of fate, both Jane and Taylor shared the same birthday, October 21st, a date that now serves as a quiet reminder of the light they brought into the world. Taylor’s House offers teens in crisis a safe place to land, housing, hope, and support wrapped in compassion. It stands as a gentle promise that Taylor’s light will continue to guide young people who feel lost or unseen.

From childhood volunteer to community builder, George’s story has been one steady thread: helping people feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. Jane’s Shared Housing Foundation and Taylor’s House are living expressions of that purpose.

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Our First Project: Taylor’s House

aylor’s House is our flagship initiative—safe housing combined with comprehensive youth resources designed for teens struggling with mental health challenges, including self-harm and crisis. Named in loving memory of Taylor Rose Knowlton, the program creates a compassionate space for healing, growth, and community.