Frequently asked
questions
I am having trouble completing a profile. Can someone help me?
Yes, contact us by clicking here.
What criteria will I be able to search for in a potential Rumi?
You will be able to search the desired living location, the amount of rent they can afford, what their interests and hobbies are, age, gender, and what they are looking for in a roommate or roommates.
How long should two interested parties communicate before deciding to become Rumis?
We suggest talking several times and meeting multiple times in public. Choosing a roommate is a big event for all parties involved, so there will most likely be several face-to-face meetings at coffee shops, restaurants, and other public places to ensure comfort and compatibility. Bridges MN will provide direction that will help guide both parties through the process of getting to know each other.
I am a potential caregiver, and I am worried that I will find a compatible Rumi, but I am not able to provide all the support needed to the individual with disabilities. Can I still participate in Rumi?
Yes! Bridges MN will make sure to find other solutions to provide the support that you cannot fulfill.
I currently have a living space that is perfect, and I do not want to move, and I have an extra bedroom. Can I stay here and have the roommate move in and help with rent?
Yes!
I have a living situation that I would like to change. If my future Rumi is also in this situation, how can we find housing?
Bridges MN will be able to help you find appropriate housing in your desired living location.
What happens if the Rumi relationship does not work out as planned?
Although we do everything to avoid a contract/lease termination, the individual with a disability will stay in the home and Bridges MN will provide fill-in staff while we search for new long-term Rumi. If the caregiver is a homeowner, we will find immediate temporary housing for the individual with disabilities, while we start the process again.
I'm a potential caregiver, but I don't have any experience in disability services. Can I still sign up?
Yes! We are looking for people of all backgrounds who think this program would be a good fit for them. We will offer appropriate training so that you’ll be prepared to help support your Rumi.
What can disqualify me from becoming a caregiver?
An individual can be disqualified based on information from Minnesota or any other state that includes: a conviction, admission, or Alford plea, to any of the crimes listed in Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.15; a preponderance of evidence that the subject committed an act that meets the definition of any of the crimes listed in Minnesota Statues, section 245C.15; a finding of substantiated maltreatment of a minor or vulnerable adult that is determined to be serious and/or recurring as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.02.
How do we protect against inappropriate internet trolls on the Rumi website?
We require full legal name and phone numbers, so that we can call to verify. We also run background checks through the state criminal court system as well as "Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender" system. Further, we offer guidance on how to engage with connections to ensure safety. There is zero tolerance for behavior that breaks our rules; those that do engage in inappropriate behavior will be flagged and banned from our system.
What happens if I am a caregiver, and I want to take a vacation?
Bridges MN will provide temporary staffing while you are gone.
I am an individual with disabilities, but I do not have a disability waiver. What options do I have to find help?
Click here to learn about local resources that may be able to help you obtain a waiver. Click here to learn about housing resources.
If I become a caregiver, can I keep my current job?
Yes. You can keep your current job as a caregiver. Supports of all levels are needed.
I have a spouse and family. Can I be a caregiver?
Absolutely! We have folks looking to live with families.
How much can I be compensated as a potential caregiver?
To see the graph explaining compensation, click here.
What supports will be available?
Bridges MN will take a case-by-case look at each situation to make sure we have the proper supports in place before signing a lease.
How much can I be compensated as a potential caregiver?
To see the graph explaining compensation, click here.
I still want to enjoy all the things I enjoy now. Can I do that with my Rumi?
That is the whole point of Rumi: what you seek is seeking you! (Psst—that’s a quote from the poet named Rumi. See below for more information!) There is a match out there for you who has the same interests as you do, wants to live in the same neighborhood, and is looking for a Rumi!
I am a case manager and I’d like to know how funding works.
We work with anyone who has a waiver. Our services include: 24 Assistance, Caregiver Living Expense, Housing Access Coordination, Transitional Services, SLS 15 Minute Units, SLS Daily, SES, ILS, Adult Companion, Night Supervision, and Person-Centered Planning.
Where did the name come from?
Rumi is a play on “roomie,” as in “roommate”—and it’s pronounced just like “roomie.” Rumi is also a 13th century poet and scholar who famously said: “What you seek is seeking you.” We feel the same way about finding a perfect match with the Rumi platform.
What is Bridges MN?
Bridges MN is the company that operates Rumi. Bridges MN provides high quality housing and service options to individuals living with disabilities. Learn more at BridgesMN.com.
