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.
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Virtual Info Sessions
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How it works
Campus Life - Best Buddies Living locations are near school campuses – offering an environment that encourages the development of independent living skills, life-changing relationships, and educational pursuits in connection with college life.
Housing - Residences will vary based on the location. Some will be single-family homes, while others may be co-living units or apartments.
Residents - The Living program is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are ready to embrace independent living. Residents are asked to participate in weekly group meals and activities, maintain employment or attend a higher education program, and support fellow residents when needed.
Campus Immersion - Residents attend college games and participate in fitness classes, cultural events, holiday parties, volunteer opportunities, and sports activities alongside their student peers.
Support Team - Inclusive Living locations have Best Buddies team members onsite to support residents and ensure an inclusive environment.
Application - Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must submit an application, provide letters of recommendation, and a list of references. To apply, click here.
Locations
Washington, D.C. – Georgetown
This residence is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and the Georgetown waterfront.
Occupancy
Three people with IDD and three people without IDD.
Support
One on-sight residential manager.
Building Type
Two three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhomes subleased from a large apartment building. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces. Each townhome is fully furnished. The building offers a fitness center and yoga studio, rooftop infinity pool with skyline views, 24-hour concierge, two courtyards, and a game room.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Partnered with Georgetown 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 program fee is $1,938 per month. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
For information on our Georgetown program costs and financial assistance, please submit a request for more info.
Washington, D.C. - Union Market
This residence is in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. steps from Union Market, near Catholic University, attached to Trader Joe’s and a two-minute walk from the redline Metro.
Occupancy
Three people with IDD and three people without IDD.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and shares kitchen, living, and bathroom spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Partnered with Catholic University
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 program fee is $1,782 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Miami, Florida - Coral Gables
This program is located in the University of Miami neighborhood and is just a five-minute walk from campus. The building is just a thirty-minute drive to Miami beach.
Occupancy
Three people with IDD and two people without IDD.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
One five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom townhouse. Each resident has their own bedroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
The residence has a resort-style swimming pool, firepit, private sundeck, outdoor courtyard with workout equipment in addition to an indoor fitness center.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Partnered with University of Miami
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 program fee is $2,000 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Los Angeles, California – Westwood
This fabulous building is just steps from the Westwood village packed with shopping, coffee, restaurants, and weekly farmers markets and is located just a twelve-minute walk from UCLA.
Occupancy
Two people with IDD and two people without IDD.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
This luxury residence has 24-hour concierge service, a courtyard, fitness and wellness facility, rooftop lounge and fireplace, and media lounge.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Partnered with University of California, Los Angeles
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 program fee varies by room size, but ranges from $1070 to $2500 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Atlanta, GA – Midtown
This residence is located a five-minute walk away from Georgia Tech and a ten-minute drive from Georgia State and includes a sky terrace, rooftop pool, billiards, and a fitness center.
Occupancy
Two people with IDD two people without IDD.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
One four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment subleased from a large apartment building. Each resident has their own bedroom and shares kitchen, bathroom and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Partnered with Georgia Tech University
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 program fee is $1,235 per month. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Residential Manager support in other areas of personal growth
Budgeting
Grocery shopping
Healthy relationships
Friendships
Employment
Transportation
Health and well-being
Roommate skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting list?
Availability varies within each program. Please complete our online interest form, to receive more information about the program you are interested in.
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 include: assisting with laundry, cooking or evacuating safely in an emergency situation." Current copy doesn't make much sense.
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.
- 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.
Will there be 24-hour supervision?
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.
Will transportation be provided?
No. However, residents will receive support in utilizing public transit or Uber/Lyft.
For more information on Best Buddies Living, please contact:
Living@bestbuddies.org
