Becoming a Home Provider for my Friend Aaron

Aaron and I have been friends since 5th grade (2003). Growing up we bonded over Pokemon cards and lightsaber/sword fights in the backyard—both against each other and against imaginary foes. In recent years, we have attended Rhode Island Comic-Con together, taken a weekend trip to Maine, continued our traditions with the occasional lightsaber duel, and in 2019 Aaron served as a groomsman in my wedding (cover photo).

One of Aaron's major goals is to move out of his parents' house and into a more independent living arrangement. Aaron has been patiently searching for the right opportunity because while he is eager for more independence he has been diagnosed with “a teeny bit of autism” (Aaron’s words) and still needs some support (budgeting, appointment reminders, etc.). Back in 2016, Aaron and his mother met with me to ask if I could be a shared living provider (or "professional housemate”). Since that meeting, I have kept Aaron in mind throughout my own housing changes.

Recently, my wife and I began looking for a house, and with Aaron in mind, we have been searching for a property where we could invite him to live with us. In terms of location, we are looking in downtown Burlington, VT; this would put Aaron within walking distance of a bus route that would provide him access to work, counseling, and social opportunities. Ideally, we would find a house with an attached 1 BR apartment so that we could all maintain our privacy.

The above parameters significantly limit the options in an already difficult Vermont housing market. Homes in downtown Burlington with the additional space for Aaron are more expensive than houses Ellie and I might look at for ourselves. As home providers for Aaron, we would receive a monthly stipend from his Medicaid funds that would help with the mortgage payments and other month-to-month expenses, but the upfront cost of the house purchase is a barrier. I’ve created a GoFundMe in order to give us some additional flexibility. Funds will be used to help with the down payment and closing costs of a multi-unit home to share, (or used to renovate a single-family home to add a studio apartment for Aaron to live). We don't necessarily need to reach the fundraising goal before purchasing a property, but the closer we get, the more flexibility we will have to move quickly if a good property comes on the market.

——————

Aaron and I in Boy Scouts:

Aaron and I in at my wedding (2019)