About Homies
Real people. Real homes.
We match adults with a developmental disability with a roommate who shares their home and their life.
Why Homies exists
Families deserved a third option
Homies started in 2020 because too many families had only two options: a group home that didn't feel right, or doing it all themselves.
Life-sharing is a third option. One roommate, one real home, and a friendship built to last. It is funded by the Regional Center as Supported Living Services, so most families pay nothing out of pocket for support.
For 22 years, Gina was Abby's caretaker, best friend and mom. Then Abby got her own place with Katie, pictured here, and Gina got to be just a mom.
- Founded
- 2020
- Matches made
- 100+
- Regional Centers
- 11
Who's with you at each step
One team, from the first phone call to years of living together.
Step 1
Your first call
We learn about your family and are honest about whether Homies fits.
Brittany Ramirez
Discovery Specialist
Step 2
Finding the right roommate
Usually two to six months. We'd rather wait than rush a bad fit.
Taylor Sotiropoulos
Head of Matchmaking
Step 3
Moving in and every month after
Monthly check-ins and help with whatever comes up at home.
Samantha Correa
Experience Manager, BCBA
Shayeste Sanchez
Experience Manager, BCBA
Step 4
A life in the community
Inclusive, empowering choices about how you live, and progress that's fun, functional and life-changing.
Andi Macken
Director of Community Thriving, BCBA
¿Prefiere hablar en español?
Tracy Rangel, de nuestro equipo bilingüe, acompaña a las familias hispanohablantes en cada paso.
Director of Community Thriving
Andi Macken, MA, BCBA
“I've spent 30+ years in autism and developmental disabilities as a BCBA. At Homies, my job is making sure every person we support is building a life outside the house, not just a routine inside it.”
Nancy Bargmann
Advisor to Homies
Former Director, California DDS
Our advisor
Advised by the former Director of California's Department of Developmental Services
Nancy Bargmann was Director of the California Department of Developmental Services from 2016 to 2024, overseeing the 21 Regional Centers that serve more than 445,000 Californians. She led the closure of the state's remaining developmental centers, moving California from institutional care to community-based services.
She began her career in 1984 as a Direct Support Professional, and went on to lead nonprofits, providers, affordable housing, a Regional Center and the state department. She now advises organizations that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have more choice and control over their lives.
- Former Director, California DDS
- 2016–24
- Regional Centers overseen
- 21
- In the field, starting as a Direct Support Professional
- 40+ years
“For forty years the goal has been the same: people with developmental disabilities deciding how they live, and who they live with. Homies puts that choice at the center of every match.”
More about Nancy
Ms. Bargmann began her career in 1984 as a Direct Support Professional and went on to hold executive leadership positions across nonprofit, provider, affordable housing, Regional Center, and state government organizations. Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. as Deputy Director in 2012 and Director in 2016, and reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020, she is recognized for collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and building strong partnerships among self-advocates, families, providers, Regional Centers, and advocacy organizations.
Today, Ms. Bargmann provides executive and strategic consulting to nonprofit organizations, service providers, housing agencies, and public and private organizations. Her expertise includes executive leadership, board governance, organizational strategy and transformation, developmental disability services, affordable housing, policy development, government relations, and regulatory compliance.
Throughout her career, she has remained committed and focused on a consistent purpose: strengthening organizations and systems so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have greater opportunity, choice, inclusion, and control over their lives.
Ready when you are
Families, tell us about your son or daughter and we'll be honest about whether Homies fits. Service coordinators, you can refer a client in a few minutes.