The Charlotte White Center has been delivering support services for over thirty years. Throughout our long history of service, we have developed support programs designed to benefit individuals living with the life challenges of behavioral and intellectual disabilities.

Shared Living is a residential service program designed to provide stable, inclusive homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program offers consumers a more individualized, customized living arrangement, which caters to their specific needs and preferences.

Providers offer support based on individualized goals and objectives, as well as guidance and coaching on daily living skills including personal hygiene, healthy food choices, scheduling for and transportation to medical appointments, meal preparation, and more. Other support offered under this model can include respite care, direct support, and training. The Shared Living Program connects cognitive and developmentally disabled individuals with private families in a long-term living arrangement that fosters independence and sense of self-worth.

Host Families

The Charlotte White Center contracts with an individual or family, referred to as a “host,” to provide a home and share their lives with an individual within a family environment. In order for the placement to be successful, it is crucial that an appropriate match be made between the host and the individual. This occurs through interviewing the host family and potential placements.

Eligibility:

An individual is eligible for this service if he/she meets the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability
• Must have DHHS funding (MaineCare Home and Community Based Waiver Approval-Section 21)

Once eligibility is determined, interviews will occur to determine the consumer’s needs and desires. The team will then seek out providers who best match those requirements.

Referral Process

Referrals for Shared Living can be made by calling the Director of Shared Living at the Bangor office at 947-1410. We encourage referrals from individuals, family members, the medical community, case managers, and service providers. Once the referral is made, an interview will be scheduled. The intake procedure involves gathering all the data necessary to determine the best living arrangement and provider type.

Become a Shared Living Provider

Interested individuals or families can contact the Shared Living program director to begin the qualifying process. An application packet will be sent to you, which will gather personal and background check information to help us get to know you better. Contact the Charlotte White Center’s Bangor Office at (207) 947-1410 for more information, and ask for the Director of Shared Living.