Find your supportive roommate
Through our partnership with Exceptional Minds, eligible students can get matched with a supportive roommate and start living independently, funded through your Regional Center.
Regional Center enrollment is required
You must be an active client of a California Regional Center to participate in life-sharing through Homies. Not all Exceptional Minds students are Regional Center clients.
Not sure if you qualify? Ask your family or Exceptional Minds staff.
One person, one roommate, one home
Life-sharing is a one-on-one living arrangement. You share a home with one supportive roommate who helps with your daily goals and becomes a genuine friend.
You keep attending Exceptional Minds on your schedule. Your roommate supports your routine around school, and you can live walking distance to campus in Sherman Oaks if you want.
- Choose where you live
- Keep attending school on your schedule
- Choose your own roommate
- Build a genuine friendship
How it works
From first conversation to move-in day
Tell Us About You
Fill out the form below and share your interests, goals, and what you're looking for in a roommate. A family member or staff can help you fill it out.
Meet with Our Team
We'll schedule a discovery call to get to know you, answer your questions, and make sure life-sharing is the right fit.
Find Your Roommate
We match you with a neurotypical supportive roommate based on your interests, lifestyle, and location. Already have someone in mind? A friend, coworker, or someone from your community can apply too.
Find Your Home
Once your Regional Center funding is secured and your roommate is matched, Homies handles the apartment search. We work with property managers to find the right place near campus.
Move In & Thrive
Start your new chapter with ongoing support, regular check-ins, and 24/7 availability from the Homies team.
Requirements
To participate in life-sharing through Homies, you'll need to meet these criteria
Basic Requirements
- 18 years or older
- Registered student at Exceptional Minds
- Active Regional Center client (required for Homies to provide services)
- No aggressive behaviors toward others, and no active elopement risk
- No suicidal ideation or threat of potential self-harm
Independent Living Readiness
- Can be left alone for a few hours while your roommate is away
- Willing to share a living space (this is a roommate dynamic, not a private caregiver arrangement)
- Ready to build a genuine friendship with your roommate
- Your service coordinator or independent facilitator knows you want to use Homies
- Family or conservator support for the program
Support and cost
Support levels are personalized to your needs. We work with your Regional Center to build a plan that fits your goals and daily life.
Because life-sharing is funded through your Regional Center, most families pay nothing out of pocket for support services.
- Personalized support tailored to your needs
- Funded through Regional Center, most pay nothing
- Homies finds your apartment after funding and roommate are secured
- 24/7 availability from the Homies team after move-in
Exceptional Minds students thriving with Homies
Meet EM students who found independence through life-sharing
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Exceptional Minds students and families
Life-sharing is a supported living arrangement where you share a home with a carefully matched supportive roommate. Your roommate lives with you, supports your daily goals, and becomes a genuine friend. It's an alternative to group homes that gives you more independence, privacy, and choice.
Your Regional Center covers the supportive roommate's compensation and program costs through Supported Living Services (SLS) — you pay nothing for support services. You do contribute to rent, and how much varies from person to person based on your situation and Regional Center funding. We walk every family through the numbers during the discovery call so there are no surprises.
Yes. Regional Center enrollment is required to participate in life-sharing through Homies. If you're not sure whether you're a Regional Center client, ask your family or Exceptional Minds staff. Not all EM students are Regional Center clients.
Every situation is different. The timeline depends on matching, housing availability, and Regional Center coordination. We'll give you a realistic estimate during your discovery call.
Yes! If you already know someone who'd be a great fit, they can apply through Homies. Reach out and we'll walk you through how it works.
Your wellbeing is our priority. If a match isn't the right fit, our team works with you to find a better one. We provide support throughout any transitions and make sure you're never left without a plan.
All supportive roommates undergo comprehensive background checks through state criminal court systems and the National Sex Offender database. They complete required training, pass interviews, and must meet strict qualifications before being matched. We have a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
Homies currently serves Southern California Regional Centers, but if your service coordinator is on board, we can make it work. It just takes a bit more coordination. Reach out and we'll figure it out together.
That's your choice. Exceptional Minds is in Sherman Oaks, which falls under North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLARC). If you're with Lanterman Regional Center, the catchment area covers Burbank, Glendale, and nearby cities. Some Regional Centers will allow you to stay with them even if you move temporarily for school.
Exceptional Minds and Homies operate as independent entities. This partnership is established solely to provide an opportunity for parents and students to access residential support services. Nothing in this agreement or associated communications shall be construed to create a joint venture, agency, or employer-employee relationship between Exceptional Minds and Homies.
Placement and Management: Exceptional Minds is not responsible for the placement, matching, or ongoing management of Homies residents or supportive roommates. All housing arrangements and roommate dynamics are managed exclusively by Homies or the participating individuals.
Operational Independence: Homies is not responsible for the operations, curriculum, or management of Exceptional Minds, including its school and studios.
Service Coordination: While Exceptional Minds may facilitate the introduction to Homies' services, all specific service requirements — including Regional Center compliance and individual support hours — are the sole responsibility of Homies and the respective Service Coordinators.
By participating in this program, parents and guardians acknowledge that Exceptional Minds assumes no liability for the actions, omissions, or residential outcomes associated with Homies. Conversely, Homies assumes no liability for the educational or vocational services provided by Exceptional Minds.
Start Your Journey
Fill out this short form and we'll call you within one business day to discuss your options.