A supported living social housing block is opening thanks to our support.
“This project might very well not have happened.” That is how Hélène Benoist-Lucy, the volunteer administrator responsible for charitable giving and philanthropy at Habitat et Humanisme introduced the visit of the building site for the Le Cap residence in October. And yet, this project that was dreamed up six years ago is now becoming a reality in Boulogne-Billancourt. The building will offer a home to 15 adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and three young students, selected based on social need and for their commitment to integrating a space where they will share meals and good times with disabled residents.
Championed by Toit et Vie, the charitable organization represented by five families with children with autism, the “A place to live, not simply a roof” project took six years to become a reality with the construction of this supported living residential facility through Habitat et Humanisme.
A combination of private and communal spaces
This home, whose design and materials have been developed by experts in partnership with future residents, will combine private and communal spaces.
Our funding, which was granted in 2018, went towards furnishing the studio apartments and communal spaces to create an environment adapted to residents with ASDs and promote their wellbeing. Specially adapted acoustics, lighting and furniture, demarcation of communal and rest spaces - everything has been carefully considered.
Each resident will have a fully equipped room with a bathroom and cooking area while enjoying access to communal spaces: dining room, lounge, and kitchen, for a socially active and inclusive life through communal projects.
...and specially adapted support
The residents living in the block all work part-time in organizations tailored to their needs. When they are at home, they will be accompanied by professionals and volunteers who will ensure the home continues to run smoothly while looking for ways to maximize autonomy for residents and support their integration.
Indeed, housing plays a vital part in social integration for people with autism. That is why we support the development of autonomous or semi-autonomous living spaces to facilitate inclusion, autonomy and mixed-ability communities. The Le Cap home will be ready to welcome its first residents by the end of 2021. It will offer them “a real living space, not simply a roof.”