The Best Buddies Living program represents one of our organization’s four key mission pillars, Inclusive Living. This program fosters an integrated experience for people with and without IDD to become active, contributing citizens who live independently in a dynamic environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Best Buddies is currently operating two Living residences located in Washington, D.C., and Miami, FL. For more information, please see below.
BESTBUDDIES® Living
Best Buddies Living is elevating the mission to meet the significant need for inclusion by establishing a residential living experience for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their peers.
The Best Buddies Living program supports inclusion by:
- Developing programs that foster an opportunity for residents to experience living with friends and colleagues. Programs include weekly shared meals, fitness classes, cultural events, holiday parties, social activities, and sports
- Providing a dynamic and enriching environment that encourages independent living, life-changing relationships, and professional growth opportunities
- Matching people with and without IDD in a residential experience providing a supportive environment that encourages full-time or part-time employment
Current Living Locations
Washington, D.C. - Union Market Residence
The residence is located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. steps from Union Market, in close proximity to Catholic University, attached to Trader Joe’s and a two-minute walk from the redline Metro. It is a luxury apartment building with space for 6 residents in 2 co-living apartments with private bedrooms, private or shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen and communal space. The building offers a 2,000-square foot gym, rooftop infinity pool and lounge, 24-hour concierge and access to a co-working space. Each room is fully-furnished with its own bed, closet, desk and nightstand. Adjacent to NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro Station, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and Union Market, the residence’s location provides easy access to many of local amenities.
Occupancy
A total of 6 apartments for 3 people with IDD and 3 for people without IDD
Support
An on-sight Residential Manager provides a wide range of support to residents
Program Type
A “semi-independent program"
Facility Type
Not a licensed care facility
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.)
Partnered with Catholic University
Opens their doors to our participants with disabilities. Participants with IDD receive an on-campus meal plan, are able to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The Washington, D.C. location program fee is $1,600 per month. Fee is all-inclusive (full use of the furnished apartment, pool, laundry, common spaces, gym and all building amenities), all utilities (water, electricity and WIFI) and monthly local outings. Residents with IDD pay a $1,400 monthly service residential fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager. In addition, the monthly service residential fee includes the cost of weekly group meals and a Catholic University meal plan OR grocery allowance. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Miami, Florida
The program is located in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami in close proximity to University of Miami. It is a luxury apartment building with space for 4 participants in 2, 2-bedroom apartments with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen and communal space. There will also be an on-site, full-time Residential Manager.
Occupancy
A total of 4 apartments for 2 people with IDD and 2 for people without IDD
Support
An on-site Residential Manager provides a wide range of support to residents
Program Type
A “semi-independent program"
Facility Type
Not a licensed care facility
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.)
Partnered with University of Miami
Opens their doors to our participants with disabilities. Participants with IDD receive an on-campus meal plan, are able to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The Miami, Florida location program fee is $1,900 per month. Fee is all-inclusive (full use of the furnished apartment, pool, laundry, common spaces, gym and all building amenities), all utilities (water, electricity and WIFI) and monthly local outings. Residents with IDD pay a $1,600 monthly service residential fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager. In addition, the monthly service residential fee includes the cost of weekly group meals and a University of Miami meal plan OR grocery allowance. Financial assistance may be available for through our Scholarship Fund.
Residential Manager support in other areas of personal growth
Budgeting
Grocey shopping
Healthy relationships
Friendships
Employment
Transportation
Health and well-being
Roomate skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the program available? What are the locations?
Currently, we have three Best Buddies Living locations. In Washington, D.C., there are two locations: Union Market and Georgetown. We are launching our latest location in Miami, Florida in Fall 2021.
For more information please complete our info request form.
Is there a waiting list to live at Best Buddies Living?
There is no waiting list at this time. Please complete our online interest form, to receive more information.
What is the cost to live at Best Buddies Living?
The Washington, D.C. location program fee is $1,600 per month. Fee is all-inclusive (full use of the furnished apartment, pool, laundry, common spaces, gym and all building amenities), all utilities (water, electricity and WIFI) and monthly local outings. Residents with IDD pay a $1,400 monthly service residential fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager. In addition, the monthly service residential fee includes the cost of weekly group meals and a Catholic University meal plan OR grocery allowance.
The Miami, Florida location program fee is $1,900 per month. Fee is all-inclusive (full use of the furnished apartment, pool, laundry, common spaces, gym and all building amenities), all utilities (water, electricity and WIFI) and monthly local outings. Residents with IDD pay a $1,600 monthly service residential fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager. In addition, the monthly service residential fee includes the cost of weekly group meals and a University of Miami meal plan OR grocery allowance.
What are the expectations of Best Buddies Living residents?
All residents must have or want to gain full-time or part-time employment. Best Buddies Living works closely with the local Best Buddies Jobs program and can help residents seek employment. Additionally, residents will be encouraged to attend all group meals and monthly events and support a fellow resident when needed. Examples can include: assisting with laundry, cooking or in an emergency situation.
Are there qualifications that residents must meet to live at Best Buddies Living?
Yes. Best Buddies Living is an inclusive and independent living model. Individuals should be able to independently identify and respond in case of fire, medical emergency or unlawful entrance and enable independent evacuation in case of an emergency. Additionally, residents must be interested in working part-time or full-time and enjoy living in close proximity to a college or university.
May I use the benefits I receive in my state to pay for my rent at Best Buddies Living?
The program is an independent inclusive living program that is private pay only. However, some states do allow an individual’s benefits to fund their Best Buddies Living program and it is all dependent on which state you live in. Please complete our interest form if you would like more information.
Will there be support services offered at Best Buddies Living?
The program includes employment and friendship as drivers of the Best Buddies Living experience, with additional focus on community programming tied to the university experience, to ensure all residents build vital life skills. Best Buddies Living supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education, and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.
The Best Buddies Living program supports inclusion by:
- Developing programs that foster an opportunity for residents to experience living with friends and colleagues. Activities to include weekly shared meals, fitness classes, cultural events, holiday parties, social activities, and sports.
- Providing a dynamic and enriching environment that encourages independent living, life-changing relationships, and professional growth opportunities.
- Matching people with and without IDD in a residential experience
- Creating a personalized support plan for each resident to work towards their independent living goals
How can I get in touch with a Best Buddies team member?
Please complete our online interest form and one of our Best Buddies team members will connect with you.
Is there an application process?
Yes, there is an application for interested participants and an application process which includes our Best Buddies Living application, supporting documents and an interview. Apply Here.
Can someone with behavioral challenges live at Best Buddies Living?
Best Buddies Living is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their typical peers to live together in an inclusive environment. Due to the independent nature of Best Buddies Living, it is not an appropriate setting for individuals with behavioral challenges or individuals who require supervision.
Will there be 24-hour supervision at Best Buddies Living?
There will not be 24-hour supervision at Best Buddies Living programs. However, there will be 24-hour support available for serious medical and maintenance emergencies. Participants will receive daily check-ins to ensure their well-being.
Will there be planned activities at Best Buddies Living?
All Best Buddies Living participants will have planned inclusive group activities such as college football games, game nights, dinners out, sports and movie nights. In addition, residents will participate in college events on campus and activities with their Best Buddies college chapter.
Will Best Buddies Living provide transportation?
Best Buddies Living does not provide transportation for our participants. However, residents will receive support in utilizing public transit or Uber/Lyft.
For more information on Best Buddies Living, please contact:
Living@bestbuddies.org
