Where are you in your planning for community living?
I need help planning where I want to live and finding housing
I want to find information on a specific topic
I'm in a crisis situation
Step 1
What's your current living situation?
I am living with my family now. I want to start planning for living on my own in the future.
More than 1–2 years away
I am living with my family now. I want to live on my own in the next 1–2 years.
Getting close to making a move
I am living with my family now. I am ready to live on my own as soon as I can find a place.
Looking actively now
I am living outside the family home, but I am not satisfied with my current situation and would like to move.
Looking for something better
Step 2
Getting Ready
Even if you are not planning to move out of the family home and live in the community soon, there are lots of things you can, and should, do to prepare for community living.
Even if move-in day feels far away, starting now will make everything easier when the time comes. Many skills and financial arrangements take years to put in place.
Things to work on now
Decide what's important to you in a home
A good first step is to think about what matters to you. Do you want roommates? Do you prefer a busy, active environment or something quieter? How close do you want to be to family and friends? What amenities are important, transportation, recreation, shopping? The Arc has a helpful video on what to consider when moving to a new home →
Do a skills assessment
Figuring out what skills you have will identify what things you can work on before moving, and what support you'll need when you do. The Virginia Parent Education and Training Center has developed an Independent Living Life Skills Checklist to help. Download the checklist →
Start learning about finances and public benefits
Understanding SSI, Medicaid, HCBS waivers, Special Needs Trusts, and STABLE Accounts early is essential, some of these take years to set up or access. The Arc's financial planning resources are a good starting point. Explore The Arc's financial planning resources →
Learn about HCBS Medicaid Waivers
Georgia's NOW and COMP waivers fund support services that allow people with IDD to live in the community. With sufficient waiver funding, you should be able to live in almost any housing type. Waitlists can be long, apply as early as possible. Learn about Georgia waiver options →
Step 3 of 4, Choosing Housing
Choosing Housing That is Right for Me
There are two ways to explore your options. You can work through a guided set of questions, or explore all housing types on your own.
Important context: Housing designed specifically for people with disabilities in an inclusive setting is quite limited in Georgia. Affordable housing typically has very long waitlists, and truly inclusive communities are rare. We want to give you an honest picture so you can plan accordingly.
Help me decide
Answer a few questions and we'll suggest the housing types that may be the best fit for you
I want to explore on my own
Browse all housing types with their advantages and disadvantages
Housing options in Georgia
Housing Options to Explore
Click any option to expand advantages and disadvantages.
Finding housing is just one part of the journey. Tell us where you are so we can point you to the right resources.
I have found a place to live and I have the supports I need to live on my own.
→ What else should I consider?
I found a place to live. I need to find people to help me live on my own.
→ Finding support services
I found a place to live, but I need to find a roommate.
→ Finding a roommate
I cannot find a place that I can afford and that is right for me.
→ Options for expanding opportunities in your area
What Else Do I Need, Finding Support Services
Great news, you're on your way!
Having a place to live and supports in place is a significant achievement. Here are resources to help maintain and strengthen your situation.
Connecting with support services in Georgia
Even with supports in place, it helps to know what else is available. Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) can connect you with services across Georgia. Georgia's NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Waiver) waivers may provide additional funding for support services if you're not already enrolled.
Participant-directed supports
If you manage your own support staff, Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia (PDAG). PDAG is a Georgia organization that helps people manage their own Medicaid waiver services. offers resources on hiring and managing DSPs. Visit PDAG →
What Else Do I Need, Finding Support Services
Finding People to Help You Live on Your Own
Having housing is a huge step. Now let's find the right support services to make community living work for you.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
A DSP helps with daily living activities, groceries, cooking, cleaning, personal care, transportation, and community activities. Finding the right DSP takes time, but it's one of the most important steps in successful community living.
HCBS Waiver funding for support services
Georgia's NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Waiver) Medicaid waivers can fund support services for people with IDD living in the community. If you don't already have a waiver, contact DBHDD or Georgia Collaborative to begin the application process. Apply through IDDConnects →
Finding a DSP
Better Living Together has prepared a step-by-step guide to help families think through finding, hiring, and managing a DSP. The process typically includes networking, interviews, reference checks, and background checks. Read the guide →
Provider agencies vs. participant direction
You can use a Medicaid-approved agency to find and manage support staff, or you can direct your own services and hire your own DSPs. Participant direction offers more control but requires more time and organization.
What Else Do I Need, Finding a Roommate
Finding a Roommate
A roommate can lower housing costs, reduce isolation, and create a built-in community. Here's how to think about the process.
What to look for in a roommate
Think about lifestyle compatibility, schedules, cleanliness, social habits, and what each person needs in terms of personal space. It's important to be honest upfront about support needs and expectations.
Coordinating leases
If you're renting, make sure both roommates are on the lease if possible. This protects both parties. Be aware that lease coordination can be complex, especially if one person needs to leave before the lease ends.
Shared housing resources
Georgia has limited formal roommate-matching services for people with IDD. Your support coordinator, service provider, or local Center for Independent Living may be able to help make connections within the community.
What Else Do I Need, Expanding Opportunities
Options for Expanding Opportunities in Your Area
If you can't find a place that's affordable and right for you, you're not alone, and you're not without options.
The reality is that truly inclusive, affordable housing for people with disabilities is extremely limited in Georgia. BLT and other organizations are working to change that, but it takes time. Here's how you can be part of the solution.
Purchasing condos or renting apartments near others with disabilities can create community and shared resources without waiting for purpose-built housing.
Get on waiting lists now
Get on waiting lists now, even if a move is years away. Lists can be very long and you're not obligated to act when your name comes up.
Connect with Better Living Together
BLT works to create new inclusive housing in Georgia. To stay informed or connect with others toward the same goals, reach out. Visit betterlivingtogether.org →
We're here to help right now
If you're in an urgent housing situation, these organizations can help you quickly. You don't have to navigate this alone.
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
24/7 support for Georgians in behavioral health crisis, including housing emergencies related to disability.
