Independent Living refers to the many ways adults with disabilities can live outside of their family home while receiving the support they need to thrive. At Cohome, we provide a variety of housing options designed to foster independence, community engagement, and personal growth. Whether through our Coliving Program or Supportive Apartments, we’re here to help individuals create a living environment that aligns with their goals and aspirations.

Yes! Transitioning to independent living is one of our specialties. Through programs like Life Skills Mentorship and our Social Club, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed in your new environment.

The Coliving Program mainstream shared living, where adults with and without disabilities live together as housemates. Residents enjoy private rooms in a beautiful home, share common spaces, and participate in managing the household democratically. This program fosters independence, mutual respect, and lasting connections through regular shared activities and person-centered support.

Coliving is privately funded and not eligible for traditional housing subsidies, as these often limit the ability to integrate best practices. Residents can apply their DDD/Medicaid budgets to access personalized support from Life Skills Mentors. While the Coliving model does entail a group of adults living together, these are not Group Homes.

Supportive Apartments refers to both affordable and market-rate housing options for adults with disabilities who are seeking independence in a thriving community. While these apartments do not include residential programming, residents can actively participate in Cohome’s Life Skills Mentors program and Social Club(s). Restricted affordable units are generally eligible for housing subsidies, whereas market-rate units are not. Supportive Apartments are not Supervised Apartments, which typically refer to restrictive provider-managed settings. Supportive Apartments provide flexibility and autonomy, with access to Life Skills Mentors who can offer support tailored to individual needs—ranging from minimal assistance to 24/7 support.

Yes, there are a few requirements:

●      Residents must be 18 years or older.

●      Certain residences may require evidence of a documented Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability (I/DD). Experiencing an I/DD is not necessary in all Cohome residences.

●      Residents with insufficient income may require a guarantor.

●      Coliving residents must be eager to live and participate with others as well as possess basic independent living skills including the ability to recognize and respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.

●      Residents are not required to be enrolled in NJ DDD.

●      Cohome operates in full compliance with federal and state housing laws.

Visits to apartments are required prior to completing the application. Supported Apartment tours can be arranged directly with the property management office at the building you are interested in.

Visits to a Cohome Coliving home is available as part of the application process. If you are interested in learning more and experiencing Cohome magic before applying to a Coliving home, we offer seasonal tours. We request a $250 donation to sponsor your visit. Reach out to us at helpdesk@cohome.org to schedule your visit.

While our programs are designed to support adults with disabilities, our Coliving Program is inclusive and also welcomes neurotypical peers who want to live in a shared, community-focused home. Cohome Supportive Apartments are sometimes restricted to use by adults with disabilities but are typically in mixed buildings alongside other, non-restricted apartments.

Coliving Program: Residential fees are privately funded and not eligible for housing subsidies. However, many residents use their DDD/Medicaid budgets to access additional support services.

Supportive Apartments: Restricted affordable units are typically eligible for housing subsidies, making them more budget-friendly for qualifying individuals. Market-rate units, while not subsidy-eligible, often provide greater availability and the same access to supportive services.

Residential Fees cover your private room, access to shared common spaces, utilities, internet, household furnishings and inventory, activities and administrative overhead.

To ensure a good fit, the application process includes interviews and visits, where applicants can experience the unique environment and meet potential housemates before moving in. While Cohome manages the application process, our housemates ultimately decide who they want to live with and are involved in selecting new applicants.

We work hard to make sure everyone has fair access to our affordable housing opportunities. Here’s our process:

1. Application – You fill out a simple application to help us see if you qualify.

2. Review – We take a close look at each application to make sure all requirements are met.

3. Meeting – Next, we’ll invite you to an application review meeting so we can learn more about your situation and answer any questions.

4. Waitlist – If there are no current openings, qualified applicants join a waitlist.

5. Random Selection – When an apartment becomes available, we select a tenant at random from our pool of qualified applicants. This way, everyone gets a fair shot.

We hope this process feels straightforward and transparent, and we’re here to help if you have any questions along the way!

Yes! Many individuals choose to rent market-rate apartments to become part of the Cohome community. Find your home, work with a Life Skills Mentor, and join a Social Club! For those thinking outside the box, we also consult with individuals and families to create a home environment that meets your unique needs. Just let us know your goals, and we’ll do our best to help you find the perfect fit.

A guarantor may be required if you do not meet the income requirements for leasing. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through this process when we get there!

Our programs are popular! Unless otherwise advertised, there is usually a waitlist for our housing. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot and begin the process.

Our process is all about getting to know you and helping you learn more about us. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete the application for the program(s) you’re interested in.

2. After submitting your application, we’ll schedule a review meeting to discuss availability and program details.

3. Depending on the program, the next step may include a trial visit or additional meetings.

4. Once these steps are complete, you’ll be placed on the waitlist.