Frequently asked questions

Life-sharing supports individuals with disabilities living with qualified adults who provide support. It means sharing life experiences with supportive persons forming a caring household, recognized as both a personal relationship and residence. Life-sharers and individuals are carefully matched by qualified professionals to achieve program objectives, with birth families encouraged to participate in matching and maintain relationships.

A caregiver is typically a paid professional who provides care services on a schedule. They clock in, complete tasks, and leave. A Supportive Roommate, the model Homies pioneered, is fundamentally different: they share your home, your meals, and your daily life. It's a genuine roommate relationship where support happens naturally through living together. Supportive Roommates aren't there to 'take care of you'. They're there to share life with you, while providing the specific supports outlined in your service plan. This creates more independence, dignity, and real friendship than traditional caregiving models.

Homies pairs you with a carefully matched supportive roommate in a regular home, not an institution, so you share life instead of living under shift-style staff. You stay independent, choose your schedule, and receive personalized SLS supports, while your roommate earns tax-free income.

Homies offers helpful resources, friendly guidance, and regular check-ins. The team listens to concerns, provides mediation for disagreements, and supports adjustments to living arrangements or finding new matches if needed.

The team identifies needs, preferences, location, and lifestyle. Factors considered include personal interests, required support, and living habits to create a strong foundation for lasting matches.

It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months to find your roommate! Several meetings prior to moving in are suggested, with the matchmaking team helping find the perfect match.

We don't provide housing, but we will help both parties find housing if it isn't already available. Homies won't get involved in any leasing or rental agreements.

Primarily California for matchmaking services. For those already living with roommates, ongoing support and resources are available regardless of location. Sign up for our newsletter for area expansion updates.

California Regional Center. Homies is a Supported Living Services vendor.

There are no additional costs or fees for using Homies' services. However, clients are responsible for living expenses like rent and utilities.

Open communication is encouraged to resolve disputes amicably. The team can provide mediation and support to help both parties find mutually agreeable solutions ensuring a harmonious living environment.

The supportive roommate collaborates with the individual's support team to find coverage. The organization provides solutions and support during challenging times.

Absolutely! This program is all about choice. Friends can live together, with the team finding the best match for living situation and preferences.

Homies can assist with formalizing existing arrangements and ensuring appropriate resources and support.

Homies takes into account cultural backgrounds, languages spoken, and personal preferences to facilitate compatible matches that respect and celebrate diversity.

Yes, Homies proudly supports Spanish-speaking individuals and families. Our team includes bilingual staff, and we work to ensure that forms, communication, and support services are accessible in Spanish, so every family feels heard and understood throughout the process.

Options include: a friend, neighbor, co-worker, family members (brother, sister, cousin), former or current staff, someone from school/university, someone from place of worship, or someone with a daytime job. Homies works to find compatible roommates aligned with lifestyle, interests, and needs.

Homies prioritizes safety with rigorous screening including full legal name and phone verification, comprehensive background checks through state criminal court systems and the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender database. Comprehensive training covers best practices, communication strategies, and caregiving techniques. Zero-tolerance policy enforced for rule violations.

Yes, family members are encouraged to be involved in the selection process for a supportive roommate. Their input and perspective can be invaluable in finding the best match for their loved one.

Absolutely. If you feel that your current supportive roommate is not the right fit, you can request a change. The team works to find a more suitable match and ensure smooth transition.

While not directly providing housing, the team offers guidance and resources for finding accessible housing options meeting specific needs and preferences.

Yes, Homies can help find accessible housing near public transit. We work with Regional Centers, landlords, and our relocation team to identify homes that fit mobility needs and offer easy transit access, making independence and community connection more achievable for the people we serve.

Family members are encouraged to actively participate in matching and maintain close relationships throughout the program.

The annual salary for supportive roommates ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 tax-free. It will depend on how many hours of support a week you provide for your roommate.

Tax law allows family foster care payments to be excluded from gross income when: payments are made pursuant to a state foster care program by state/political subdivision/qualified agency; and payments go to a foster care provider for care of a qualified foster individual in the provider's home. Since Homies connects people living in their own home on their own lease (not group homes or institutions), care provider income is tax-free. Consult tax professionals about tax questions.

Key requirement: overnight presence. Other duties include: spending time with roommate, eating dinner together, cooking, attending events together, transporting roommate to job/events, reminding about bill payment or medication. Responsibilities vary by individual. Goal is compatible match that doesn't feel like work: living with a friend.

Visit the website to begin the application process. The team reviews information and discusses next steps, including comprehensive assessment for suitability and compatibility with potential roommates.

Disqualification based on: conviction, admission, or Alford plea to crimes listed in California statutes; preponderance of evidence of committing such crimes; or substantiated findings of serious and/or recurring maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults.

Yes, you have the freedom to pick your own hours. Most supportive roommates have a job during the day (9am-5pm) and provide support for their roommate in the late evening and early morning hours.

Yes, many supportive roommates work full-time remote jobs. As long as you're present in the home and able to provide support when needed, like cooking, companionship, or help with routines, it's a great fit. Homies ensures matches align with both your availability and the needs of the person supported.

Of course, a lot of individuals with disabilities are looking to live with families.

Yes!

Yes, you will share living expenses with your supportive roommate if you are living outside of your family home or if you move into their home. Many clients use social security/disability benefits to help cover living expenses including rent.

Yes, the matching process is collaborative. You'll have the opportunity to meet potential roommates and decide together if it's a good fit.

Homies provides comprehensive training covering disability awareness, communication strategies, and emergency procedures.

Homies offers ongoing support, including mediation services and access to resources, to address and resolve any issues that may occur.