Housing Westside Regional Center: A Growing Need, An Urgent Opportunity
Finding stable, affordable, and inclusive housing at Westside Regional Center (WRC) has become one of the most pressing challenges for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. As demand rises and housing options remain limited across West Los Angeles, it’s clear: we need more than policy—we need real solutions now.
WRC serves a diverse group of individuals across some of the most expensive neighborhoods in California, including Culver City, Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Westchester. These communities offer opportunity, but without stable housing, even the best support systems can fall short.
Why Housing Matters for WRC Clients
Access to safe and secure housing isn't just a logistical issue—it’s the foundation for independence, community inclusion, and long-term quality of life. For the individuals supported by Westside Regional Center, housing isn’t optional. It’s a cornerstone of their development.
Yet many families report:
Long waitlists for housing options
Scarcity of affordable homes in the region
Limited awareness of Supported Living Services (SLS) and other innovative models
Fear of future instability when family caregivers can no longer provide housing
This crisis doesn’t just affect clients—it weighs heavily on aging parents, exhausted case workers, and under-supported service providers.
Innovative Housing Models: A Brighter Path Forward
Thankfully, there are promising signs of change. One such solution gaining traction is the Supportive Roommate Model offered by Homies, a California-based SLS agency transforming the way we think about shared living.
Instead of relying solely on paid staff or traditional group homes, Homies matches neurodiverse adults with compatible roommates—neurotypical individuals who live with and support them in everyday life. This model creates:
Built-in companionship and stability
Cost-effective housing structures
Natural support that complements traditional service hours
A sense of dignity and autonomy for both individuals
By helping clients find homes in real communities—with people who genuinely care—Homies has started to fill a critical gap in housing solutions for Westside Regional Center families.
Funding and Support Options
Westside Regional Center provides several pathways to support individuals in their housing journey. These may include:
Supported Living Services (SLS) under Service Code 896
Independent Living Services (ILS) for those needing less intensive support
Affordable Housing resources via partnerships with city and county programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, though availability remains tight in LA County
Unfortunately, navigating these options can feel overwhelming without the right support team. That’s why WRC case managers play a crucial role in helping families find the right fit and advocate for creative solutions.
The Time to Act is Now
As rents rise and waitlists grow, the need for innovative housing at Westside Regional Center has never been more urgent. But there’s reason to be hopeful. Creative solutions like Homies, coupled with strong advocacy from families and regional center staff, are paving a new way forward.
If you're a parent, case manager, or service provider struggling to find housing for someone served by WRC, know this: you are not alone—and you have options.
Visit Homies to learn more about how our roommate model is helping individuals live independently, confidently, and joyfully. Because housing isn’t just about where someone lives—it’s about how fully they can live. Visit https://westsiderc.org/ for more information on services.
Housing Westside Regional Center