Disability Roommate Matching: Eddie's Story

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.

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 Regional Center funding was secured and the match was confirmed, Homies handled the housing search:

• 2 to 3 weeks of apartment hunting with Homies' support

• Found a perfect two-bedroom unit in Sherman Oaks

• 4 to 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.

Why This Works for Exceptional Minds Students

For EM students, location is everything. Being close to campus means you can walk to class, stay late for projects, and build real relationships with classmates. Eddie went from watching it all happen through a screen to being in the middle of it.

Life-sharing through Homies means you don't have to choose between independence and your education. Your roommate supports your routine around school, and Homies finds housing near campus so you can focus on what matters: your training and your future.

More Than Housing: It's Belonging

Eddie is living closer to school, and that is only part of it.

He's living a fuller life:

• Community

• Confidence

• Connection

• Independence

If you or a loved one is an Exceptional Minds student interested in finding a compatible roommate match, learn more about our program for EM students. And if you are someone like Raj who wants to make a difference as a supportive roommate, we would love to connect with you.