If you're one of the 600,000 people in Minnesota living with a disability, it can be difficult to find a place to live. Although there might be a spot available in a group home, it may not have the services you need or be in the city that you want.
Bridges MN, a St. Paul-based organization that manages many of these properties, hopes to help those with disabilities find their best possible living situation with Rumi, an initiative that matches individuals who have a disability waiver with a compatible, licensed caregiver and roommate.
"We want to provide custom care for individuals who have historically been deemed too challenging or too complex for traditional group homes," said Bridges Principal Partner Bach Parker. "And it's possible. The industry has a big opportunity to be disrupted."
The idea of a customized living situation with a dedicated caregiver was immediately popular within Bridges' community, Parker told Minne Inno. In the year since Rumi's launch, the platform has made 14 roommate matches and has grown to 500 users.
Rumi is a lot like a dating app, but with uniquely-designed care, customization and security.
Those interested in becoming "Rumis" start by completing a profile on the website. The Bridges team then examines the profile, confirming the applicant's identity and running a background check. If approved, the profile will then appear on the site. Potential Rumis can then look at each other's information. If a user spots someone they think seems like a great match, they can "wave" at the other profile, indicating that they're interested in starting a conversation. If the other person waves back, the two can start chatting.
After users find an ideal match, Bridges helps the new roommates locate housing (if needed), and finalize agreements such as case management, caregiving services and financial arrangements.
Rumi doesn't just benefit those with disabilities – their caregivers get a lot out of the experience as well. Rumi says that its caregiving pays more than direct care positions, and the wages are tax-free.
Parker believes that these living situations also have the potential to impact not just the roommates, but their neighbors and the community at large.
"You have individuals receiving services living next to those who aren't receiving services," Parker said. "It's a really cool setting. It does a lot to help destigmatize the disability community."
Rumi is currently available in the Twin Cities metro, but Bridges plans to soon expand the service to Greater Minnesota, starting with St. Cloud.
