Rumi is a new online platform recently launched by Bridges MN designed to match individuals who have a disability waiver with a compatible roommate. The end goal is to create a living situation that helps both parties thrive.
Since launching in the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area in June, 2018, the interest in Rumi has exceeded Bridges’ expectations as hundreds of interested individuals have completed online profiles, and many of those users already have match(es), with whom they are communicating. “This wave of interest shows that Rumi is an in-demand solution and something new which people are excited about and ready for,” said Blake Elliott, VP of Disability Services, of Bridges MN.
Here’s how Rumi works - Shared Living
The platform is designed to maximize choices of individuals with disability waivers, including residence options, support staff, and service provider organization (individuals can work with any service provider through Rumi). Rumi was designed to be a public utility, a public exchange which will not only help people reach their desired level of independence, but through its success generate savings in state long-term care budgets and free up limited licensed community-based service placements.
Interested individuals sign up by completing a profile. With all profiles, the Rumi team completes identity verifications and runs preliminary background checks. If approved, a limited, security-friendly version of the profile will appear on the site. The user will be free to view other limited and approved profiles. If they spot a person who seems like a great match, they can “wave” at the other profile. A wave says they’re interested in starting a conversation. If the other party waves back, they’ll automatically get to view the person’s full profile and start a conversation. If it is an ideal match, great! If not, they can keep looking.
Throughout the entire process, the Rumi team is available to help users. Once a match is made, the team is available to help locate housing (if necessary). The Bridges team stands behind the platform to assist in the finalization of relationships, support services and finances.
For potential support staff, Rumi offers additional opportunities to utilize their special skills. As a roommate, they provide similar supports as in other HCBS settings, except their income is earned tax-free. Furthermore, because the supports are based on their individual roommate’s needs, a Rumi relationship can range from supplemental to a full-time Direct Support Professional job.
Continuing to lead
The launch of Rumi is a prime example of Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) provider community continuing to provide national leadership in the advancement of supports for people with disabilities. Nearly 50 years ago, the first ARRM members became leaders in opening private homes for people leaving institutional care to live more individually and independently in community-settings, and today they continue to develop creative solutions and use modern tools to create person-centered opportunities for people, while maximizing the public Medicaid resources which fund more than 95 percent of all HCBS programs.
Based on Bridges’ projections, Rumi’s success has the potential to save significant dollars in the state’s Medicaid budget and free up other in-demand licensed residential options, such as group homes.
For more information, visit www.MeetMyRumi.com
To view a real life Rumi success story, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ6236AkYsU
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