"Hanna and Branching Out have been helping me since 2005 ... I don't think I would be able to live in my own apartment if Branching Out didn't help me."
Dan,
Living Independently in Somerville, MA
All of the information listed below is also available in pdf format.
Branching Out Cost Comparison Breakdown 
(.pdf)
Branching Out, LLC = $18,000
The cost for one year for a client to live in the Boston area and receive services from Branching Out, LLC is approx. $18,000.
View detailed cost information for Branching Out, LLC
Other Similar Programs = $28,000
The cost for one year for a client to live in the Boston area and receive services from a similar program is approx. $28,000.
(They charge significantly more per hour and have many additional fees.)
View detailed cost information for other similar programs
Group Home Option = $35,000 - $45,000
The cost for one year for a client to live in a group home in the Boston area.
(Many clients do not require this level of care.)
View detailed cost information for Group Homes
Branching Out, LLC
Costs: approx. $18,000 annually
Monthly expenses if client lives with one roommate:
- Branching Out Services=$280 a month
(2hrs a week x $70 an hour=$140 a week divided by 2 roommates=$70 a week.) - Rent=$850 approx.
- Utilities=$100 approx. - $75 assistance=$25
- Groceries=$140 - $70 assistance= $70
- Transportation=$20
- Entertainment/spending=$240
Approx. $1,500 a month
Yearly Cost=$17,820
Important Factors:
- Cost effective, wrap-around, individualized services
- Client is able to live in least restrictive, community-based apartments
- Utilizing services that already exist versus paying for services
- Freedom to choose your own roommate and neighborhood
- A good, solid long-term plan
- Branching Out does not have high overhead costs, therefore we are able to provide quality service at lower rates
- No additional hidden fees
- Advisors are long-term and provide important consistency
Note: This yearly total is considerably reduced if housing assistance is obtained. Also, Branching Out does not charge for travel time, phone calls, research time, or for on-call services.
Group Home Option
Costs: $35,000-$45,000 annually approx.
Important Factors:
- Some clients do require this level of care; however, many do not. Therefore it is holding back some clients from achieving maximum independence.
- Roommate restrictions
- City/neighborhood restrictions
- Very expensive and difficult to financially sustain long-term
Other Programs Providing Independent Living Advisors
Costs: approx. $28,000 annually
Monthly expenses if client lives with one roommate:
- Advisor=$800
(2 hrs a week x $100 hr.=$200 wk) - Additional fees, travel, calls etc=$100 wk.
- Rent=$850 approx.
- Utilities=$100 approx.
- Groceries=$150
- Transportation=$20
- Entertainment/spending=$240
Approx. $2,260 a month
Yearly Cost=$27,120
Important Factors:
- Higher rates at $100 an hour
- Additional charges for phone calls to family and other collaterals
- Additional charges for travel costs to and from meeting place
- Additional charges for on-call services
- Many programs do not research and obtain discounted services