Cohome is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017. We educate, advocate, and support inclusive, mainstream housing opportunities for adults with and without disabilities. Our award-winning coliving program brings together people of diverse abilities to live as non-biological family members—sharing a home, building relationships, and supporting one another in everyday life.

Cohome creates shared single-family homes designed for 8–10 adults, including adults with developmental disabilities and neurotypical peers (“fellows”). Each resident has a private bedroom, and the household shares a kitchen, common spaces, and community life—just like any large family household.

This is not a group home, boarding house, or care facility. There is no 24/7 supervision. Instead, it is a peer-based, shared living model for adults capable of basic independent living, with optional external support based on each person’s needs.

Adults with disabilities often face limited, segregated housing options. Cohome is redefining what’s possible by proving that inclusion works.

Cohome residents are adults with and without disabilities who want to live in a diverse, respectful, and supportive community. Each applicant goes through a thoughtful interview, selection, and trial visit process to ensure compatibility.

Some residents choose to use external direct support tailored to their goals. 

Residents are qualified through a collaborative application and interview process designed to ensure that Cohome’s inclusive living environment aligns with their interests, goals, and support needs.

Because Cohome operates as a single-family household, resident selection is not just determined by the landlord—current housemates play an active role in welcoming and selecting future residents. When a room becomes available, potential applicants are introduced to the household and, whenever possible, participate in a visit or shared activity to ensure mutual compatibility.

Considerations include:

• The individual’s ability to live in a shared residential setting,

• Willingness to participate in community life,

• Capacity to maintain a level of personal independence appropriate for the program,

• Compatibility with household culture and values,

• Ability to uphold community guidelines, and

• Financial eligibility.

This shared approach ensures that each home remains a stable, cooperative household, consistent with New Jersey’s legal definition of a single housekeeping unit.

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, we offer private, educational tours. We request a $250 donation to sponsor your visit. Reach out to us at admin@cohome.org to schedule your visit.

Residents pay Residential Fees to live in Cohome. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cohome fundraises year-round to help offset costs and provide financial assistance to eligible residents. Final costs vary depending on individual need and the success of our fundraising efforts.

Residential Fees cover your private room, access to furnished, shared common spaces, utilities, internet, household furnishings, maintenance and inventory, activities, special events, and other administrative costs.

While we are not part of the formal affordable housing system, we are deeply committed to keeping this model as accessible as possible.

Cohome is a privately funded housing model, providing a much-needed complement to existing affordable housing programs. It helps address the severe housing shortage facing adults with developmental disabilities—a population often left out of traditional housing solutions.

A guarantor may be required depending on your financial qualifications. While it’s a good idea to think about who could serve in that role, we’ll review everything together during the application process and let you know if a guarantor is needed.

Unless otherwise advertised, there is usually a waitlist for our limited opportunities. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot and begin the process.

Our process is designed to help us get to know you and ensure Cohome is a great fit. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete the application right here on our website.

2. We’ll schedule a review meeting to learn more about you, discuss availability, and answer your questions.

3. If the review meeting suggests a good fit, you’ll be invited for a visit to experience the home and meet residents.

4. After these steps, you’ll be added to the waitlist for the next available opening.

We’re excited to meet you and guide you through each step!