Housing Orange County Regional Center: New Solutions for a Growing Challenge
Securing stable, supportive housing Orange County Regional Center (RCOC) is becoming more difficult for families every year. Between rising rents, a shortage of accessible units, and a growing demand for personalized services, many individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers are struggling to find housing options that feel sustainable and empowering.
The good news? Innovative models and forward-thinking agencies are beginning to reshape what’s possible.
Understanding the Landscape of Housing in Orange County
(RCOC) supports thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across cities like Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach. These are beautiful places to live—but also some of the most expensive and competitive housing markets in California.
Common housing challenges for (RCOC) clients include:
Limited access to affordable one-bedroom or shared units
Lack of housing providers who understand the needs of neurodiverse individuals
Long waitlists for traditional group homes or Family Home Agency placements
A desire for more independence and choice, not just supervision
Fortunately, housing options are evolving.
The Power of Supported Living Services (SLS)
Supported Living Services (SLS) give adults the opportunity to live in their own homes with customized support based on their goals and daily routines. This model is ideal for individuals who want to live more independently—with the right scaffolding in place to succeed.
Through Service Code 896, (RCOC) can fund supports such as:
Help with finding and leasing an apartment
Budgeting and paying bills
Meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking
Health and wellness routines
Transportation and community involvement
SLS empowers individuals to have control over their living arrangements, something that group homes often don’t provide. But for many families, the missing piece is how to implement this support in a sustainable, relationship-centered way.
A Growing Solution: Supportive Roommates
One model helping to fill this gap is the Supportive Roommate Model, offered by Homies. Homies is a California-based SLS agency that matches adults with disabilities with neurotypical roommates who live together in shared housing and provide daily support.
This model is working especially well in Orange County, where:
Shared housing reduces rent burden for both parties
Support happens naturally within a home—not through rotating staff
Individuals build real friendships, not just receive care
Families gain peace of mind knowing someone is always there
Supportive roommates are paid through SLS funds, and all support is tailored to the individual’s goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Families and Coordinators Should Know
If you're a service coordinator or family exploring housing through Orange County Regional Center, here are some important reminders:
Start early: Housing arrangements can take time to find and fund
Be open to creative models: Supportive roommates and SLS providers like Homies are creating new paths
Focus on fit: A successful home is about more than location—it’s about relationships and routines
Use available resources: OCRC provides guidance, service coordination, and may partner with affordable housing providers
Ready to Explore Next Steps?
The housing shortage in Orange County is real—but so are the solutions. Whether you’re a parent planning for your adult child’s future or an individual ready for more independence, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Visit Homies to learn how we’re helping people thrive in homes they love—supported by roommates who truly care.
Let’s make independent living possible, one home at a time. Here is their website: https://www.rcocdd.com/
