A home of their own, with support they can count on
Tri-Counties Regional Center: Supported Living & Life-Sharing
Homies is a vendored SLS provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center. We match adults with developmental disabilities with compatible supportive roommates, so they can live independently in their own community.
Serving families throughout Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and surrounding areas
Vendored provider working with Regional Centers across California
Advised by Nancy Bargmann, former Director of the California Department of Developmental Services
She led DDS and its 21 Regional Centers from 2016 to 2024, and started her career as a Direct Support Professional.
How it works
What is life-sharing?
Life-sharing is a supported living arrangement where you share a home with a carefully matched supportive roommate who provides personalized assistance. You live in a real home in your Tri-Counties community with someone who's there for you.
As a vendored SLS provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center, Homies makes it easy for TCRC clients to access life-sharing services. Your service coordinator can refer you directly, and funding typically comes through Regional Center.
- Live in a real home, not a facility
- Choose your own compatible roommate
- Make your own decisions about daily life
- Be part of your Tri-Counties community
Is life-sharing right for your family?
Life-sharing through Homies may be a great fit if your loved one meets these criteria
- Adults (18+) with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Active clients of Tri-Counties Regional Center
- Individuals ready for more independence in their own home
- Those who would thrive with 1:1 support in a home environment
- People interested in being part of a real community
Not sure if your loved one qualifies? We're happy to discuss your situation.
Request a free callCompare your options
See how life-sharing compares to other housing options for your loved one
| Feature | Life-sharingRecommended | Group home | Living alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living environment | Real home in the community | Licensed facility | Apartment or house alone |
| Privacy | Private bedroom, shared common areas | Often shared bedrooms | Complete privacy |
| Support ratio | 1:1 dedicated support | Staff shared among residents | No daily support |
| Choice in roommate | You choose your match | Assigned by availability | N/A |
| Daily schedule | You decide your routine | Structured facility schedule | Complete freedom |
| Community integration | Part of a real neighborhood | Facility-based activities | Self-directed |
| Personalization | Tailored to your interests | Standardized programming | Self-managed |
| Safety and companionship | Built-in support & friendship | Staff supervision | On your own |
Life-sharing offers the best balance of independence, support, and community connection
Benefits of life-sharing in Tri-Counties
Why TCRC families are choosing life-sharing through Homies
Independence and choice
Live in a real home in your community, making your own decisions about daily life and routines.
Community connection
Be part of your neighborhood, build friendships, and engage in local activities and events.
Personalized 1:1 support
Receive dedicated one-on-one support tailored to your unique needs, goals, and preferences.
Safety and security
All supportive roommates are thoroughly vetted with background checks and ongoing training.
Privacy and dignity
Enjoy your own private space and the respect you deserve in a home environment, not a facility.
Meaningful relationships
Build genuine friendships with your supportive roommate based on shared interests and values.
What makes Homies different
As California's first life-sharing program, we've built our approach around what truly matters
Compatibility-first matching
We don't just match based on location. Our thorough process considers personality, interests, lifestyle preferences, and support needs to find genuinely compatible roommates.
Dedicated support team
Every family is assigned a dedicated Discovery Navigator who stays with you throughout your journey, not rotating staff or call centers.
California's life-sharing experts
As California's first life-sharing program, we've pioneered this model and refined our approach through more than 100 successful matches.
Ongoing partnership
We don't just place and disappear. We provide continuous support, regular check-ins, and 24/7 availability for questions or concerns.
How to get started with Homies
The process for Tri-Counties Regional Center clients
Intro call
Call us, or ask your Tri-Counties Regional Center service coordinator about Homies. We talk about your needs and goals and explain how life-sharing works.
Assessment and Regional Center referral
Your TCRC service coordinator sends us a referral, and our team completes a detailed intake.
Roommate matching
We look for a compatible roommate in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County, matched on personality, interests, and support needs. You meet in person and take your time before you decide.
Finding a home
Most pairs look for a new place together, and our team helps with the search.
Move-in and ongoing support
After move-in, we check in regularly and are available 24/7.
Stories from Tri-Counties families
Hear from families in our community who chose life-sharing
“Homies helped me find my perfect roommate match. Now I'm living independently in the community where I belong, making friendships instead of just observing them.”
Tri-Counties Regional Center FAQs
Common questions from TCRC clients, families, and service coordinators
Is Homies a vendored SLS provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center?
Yes, Homies is an official vendored Supported Living Services (SLS) provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center. This means TCRC can directly fund life-sharing services through Homies for eligible clients, making it easy for service coordinators to make referrals.
What areas do you serve through TCRC?
We serve all of Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County. This includes Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and all communities throughout the region served by Tri-Counties Regional Center.
How is life-sharing different from a group home?
Life-sharing offers a personalized alternative to group homes. Instead of living in a facility with multiple residents and rotating staff, you share a real home with one compatible roommate who provides dedicated 1:1 support. You have more independence, privacy, choice in daily decisions, and become part of a real community, not a program.
How do I get a referral from my TCRC service coordinator?
Simply ask your Tri-Counties Regional Center service coordinator about Homies as an SLS option. They can submit a referral directly to us. You can also contact Homies first at (951) 291-8279 or hello@meethomies.com, and we'll help coordinate with your service coordinator.
What does life-sharing cost for TCRC clients?
Life-sharing through Homies is typically funded by Tri-Counties Regional Center as a Supported Living Services (SLS) option. For most TCRC clients, there is no out-of-pocket cost. Your service coordinator can provide specific details about funding for your situation.
How long does the matching process take?
Finding a match usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your specific needs and preferences. From your first call to move-in, plan on 1 to 3 months. We prioritize finding the right match over a quick placement. Our team works diligently to identify compatible roommates while ensuring quality matches that lead to lasting success.
Can I choose where I live in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County?
Yes! You have choice in where you live. We work to match you with a supportive roommate in your preferred area, whether that's near family, work, or a community you love.
What support does Homies provide after the match is made?
Homies provides ongoing support throughout your life-sharing journey. This includes regular check-ins, 24/7 availability for questions or concerns, coordination with your TCRC service coordinator, and assistance with any transitions or challenges that arise.
Ready to explore life-sharing?
Take the first step toward independence and community. Fill out our intake form and our team will be in touch soon.
Request a free callNo commitment until you've met your match and are 100% comfortable.
Make a referral
Homies is a vendored SLS provider with Tri-Counties Regional Center. We make referrals easy and keep you informed throughout the process.
Request a free call
Tell us who this is for. Someone from our team will call you within 1 to 2 business days.