62% of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities dream of one day living independently, but just 3% have done so. Best Buddies Living in College Park is bridging the gap between dreams and reality.

Best Buddies Living provides inclusive housing opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Residents are supported by an on-site Residential Manager and take part in weekly community dinners and events.

“It can sound scary to move in with people you don’t know. It can sound scary to move to a new place. It can sound scary to commit yourself to a program that you aren’t familiar with. Those fears that I had dissipated within hours of my arrival,” said Colin Kerr, a former Best Buddies Living Resident.

While all residents of Best Buddies Living work on different independent living skills, a common thread through each location is community. In the most recent Annual Resident Survey (2025), 86% of respondents indicated that they had made new friends in the program, and 67% indicated that they actively improved on making friendships.

“Iman, my Residential [Manager], goes above and beyond,” said College Park Resident Ben Malina. “[She] has inspired me to do what I was born to do. I feel honored, so grateful for [Best Buddies] because I have a community where I feel respected and safe as an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability… I can’t think of a better true home for me…”

Ben hopes that one day soon, the four available spots in the program will be filled with new roommates – and more importantly, friends — with and without IDD.

“Best Buddies Living isn’t just another inclusive living program, it’s our home,” said Iman Willis, the Residential Manager at Best Buddies Living in College Park, “It’s a place where you can truly be yourself and show up exactly as you are and you’re going to be met with community and support.”

“It’s been incredible to be a part of something bigger than myself. Best Buddies welcomes everyone with open arms. My heart has expanded exponentially since joining, and I highly recommend looking into the program to see if it’s a right fit for you!” said Megan Hughes, a former Best Buddies Living Resident.

Think this could be the place for you? Learn more at https://bestbuddies.org/living or reach out to living@bestbuddies.org.