How Disability Roommate Matching Helped Eddie Achieve Independent Living Near Exceptional Minds in Sherman Oaks
Eddie was living his dream—accepted into Exceptional Minds’ acclaimed animation program in Sherman Oaks.
Except he wasn’t really living it.
While classmates worked together on campus, Eddie attended virtually from his parents’ home miles away in Orange County. He watched friendships form through a screen. He saw opportunities happening in front of him—but never around him.
He wanted independence.
He wanted community.
He wanted to be there.
But like many adults with disabilities, affordable housing near his program felt out of reach.
The Roommate Match That Changed Everything
When Eddie signed up for Homies, he wasn’t just searching for an apartment.
He was searching for a chance to build a life closer to what he’d worked so hard for.
We introduced Eddie to several potential roommates—he’s friendly, easy to live with, and everyone liked him. But when he met Raj, something clicked instantly.
Raj previously worked at Exceptional Minds
She understood the school and its culture
She knew exactly what Eddie was missing by being stuck online
From their very first conversation, it didn’t feel like just a roommate pairing.
It felt like the right fit.
A Fast Path to Independent Living
Once they decided to move forward, everything accelerated:
✅ 2–3 weeks of apartment hunting with Homies’ support
✅ Found a perfect two-bedroom unit in Sherman Oaks
✅ 4–5 days after applying, they had their keys
Just like that, the life Eddie had been watching from a distance became accessible.
Living the Experience, Not Watching It
Today, Eddie lives five minutes from campus.
He walks to class.
He collaborates with classmates.
He’s making friendships—not observing them.
No more screens.
No more missing out.
He’s living independently in the community where he belongs.
Raj is thriving too. She has a fresh start in a home she loves, with a roommate who shares her values and brings positivity to their space.
What Made This Possible
Just months earlier, Eddie’s family didn’t think independence in Sherman Oaks was realistic. Rent near campus was simply too high for one person.
But with the power of disability roommate matching, that barrier disappeared.
Shared rent = financial access
Shared values = strong household
Shared goals = independence
Together, Raj and Eddie have created a home, a routine, and a new beginning.
More Than Housing — It’s Belonging
Eddie isn’t just living closer to school.
He’s living a fuller life:
Community
Confidence
Connection
Independence
This is what disability roommate matching is built for—turning opportunity into reality.
Disability Roommate Matching