Housemate Opportunities
Our friends' housemates include other neurotypical adults, such as older adults, young professionals, musicians, or anyone else in need of affordable housing. Our housemates provide stability and consistency as well as an extra social support for our resident friends. In return, they gain a community of friends where both can give and receive friendship and support.
Check out this video and apply below!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time Do Housemates have to commit to the community?
Housemates are invited to spend time with our friends as much as they are able. At the bare minimum, we expect all residents to attend our weekly meal each week. Beyond that, housemates engage with their neighbors on their own schedule, doing things they may already do anyway: Going to a game, watching a movie, going to the grocery store, or spending time enjoying the sunshine. We expect that each housemate will dedicate 2 - 5 hours to inclusive connection each week beyond just the community dinner. Small, daily interactions can go a long way in making ALL residents feel supported and included.
What kind of housing is available?
Our shared living communities are large houses in which all residents have their own private bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet, but share a common kitchen/dining area, living room and laundry facilities. Monthly costs for housemates range from $420 to $490, including rent, utilities, WiFi and residential fee.
Will I have privacy to BE ALONE and relax?
Yes, we are firm believers in boundaries and all members in the community (friends with developmental disabilities and housemates) are invited to be open and honest about their boundaries and their need to have space.
who runs EACH FRIENDSHIP house?
The Our Place Nashville resident directors help facilitate community and deal with disputes. We also have a Resident Support Specialist team that can assist as needed. We encourage all residents to be involved with helping the resident directors form community. If you are interested in being considered for a resident director position, please let us know when you apply.
Can I bring a pet?
Unfortunately, our communities have a strict no pet policy. However, The Fair Housing Act considers Emotional Support Animals a part of the person, and thus the person and the animal are a package deal. If your doctor/therapist certifies that you need an ESA for a specific reason, then you can apply for a special accommodation. Our housing partner would have to determine the authenticity of the information, and if the information is directly from your health care professional, the housing partner will approve the Emotional Support Animal. Cats and dogs are the most common of the handful of ESA’s our residents have with the exception of Bindi the bearded dragon.
Do Housemates have disabilities, too?
Our Place Nashville requires that 60% of our housemate residents have a disability, as defined by the Fair Housing Act. Because our primary population served are younger adults with developmental disabilities, the housemates’ disability must be one that is compatible for a housemate with a cognitive disability (such as hard of hearing, recovering from stroke, diabetes) as opposed to one that would not be a good fit for such a shared living household.
There are several steps in our interview process:
The applicant must fill out an application and have an interview with Our Place Nashville–with Our Place Nashville’s Executive Director and/or Associate Director.
If they feel the applicant is a good fit, one of our Resident Support Specialists will conduct a social worker intake assessment.
To be financially eligible to live in one of the Our Place House communities, the applicant’s annual income must be below either 30% of the Area Median Income ($22,450) or 50% Area Median Income ($37,450) depending on unit availability. Financial eligibility is determined by our housing partner.