Friday, June 7, 2013

MORC helps those with disabilities find roommates

The Macomb-Oakland Regional Center is holding a "Meet and Greet" event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 13 at the Auburn Hills office at 1270 Doris so consumers can find compatible roommates, said peer mentor coordinator Adam Fuhrman.
"We expect about 20 people." said Fuhrman, who has worked for four years for the nonprofit that provides services to 5,100 people with disabilities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Participants are "existing MORC consumers who are looking for a roommate," he said.
Criteria for a good match includes common interests, whether someone is a day or night person, is a smoker or non-smoker, is in a relationship or has a pet.
Family involvement also is a key component, Fuhrman said.
Those seeking roommates also are given a questionnaire which determines the lifestyles and interests of the perspective roommates.
After the first meeting, potential roommates meet for a second time where they get to know one another at a more in-depth level, said Fuhrman.
"Several people have found roommates during the past year as a result of this program," he added.
Generally, Fuhrman said "we have some-gendered individuals moving in together. We try to provide a structure and supports for people to successfully find a compatible roommate just like anyone else in security."