Adapted Housing

Han-Logement makes adapted housing accessible  

Han-Logement has inaugurated eight new apartment dwellings in Cowansville adapted to the needs of someone living with a physical and/or intellectual disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder. Photo courtesy Han-Logement.

By Taylor McClure 
Townships’ Daily News Bits 
CIDI 99.1 FM 

Han-Logement has inaugurated eight new apartment dwellings in Cowansville that are adapted to the needs of someone living with a physical and/or intellectual disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder. For 20 years, Han-Logement, a non-profit organization based in Magog, has been supporting affordable housing projects in the Eastern Townships and it shows no signs of slowing down. 

“We did not choose Cowansville, they chose us. It was about four years ago we held an information session in Granby and people from APHPBN (Association des personnes handicapées physiques de Brome-Missisquoi) were there. They were interested in doing a project with us and they contacted the city about the land,” explained Jocelyn Jussaume, director general of Han-Logement. 

Working with the financial support of Solidarité FTQ, Desjardins, the town, and various local partners, eight apartments with over 50 adaptations were constructed on rue Léopold in Cowansville. 

“For Cowansville, we also had subsidies from the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) and the Société Canadienne d’hypothèques et de logement, and the other program Initiative de construction rapide de logement,” noted Jussaume. 

Adaptations include no doorsteps, wide doors, wide patio doors, raised electrical plugs, etc. The layouts for each of the apartments are the same, but Jussaume noted that residents can further adapt their space if needed. 

“For their security, we also have a complete sprinkler system in each apartment and fire detectors with flashing for deaf people because security is very important too,” mentioned Jussaume. “(…) When people are in their dwelling, they can adapt their place more with some programs, like Programme PAD. Programme PAD is a provincial program to further adapt the dwelling for people to their needs.”

Jussaume noted that the apartments are also accessible in terms of the rental prices. 

“The SHQ offers eligible tenants a subsidy under its rent supplement program, which caps their rent at 25% of their income. The remainder will be assumed by the SHQ at about 90% and the concerned municipality for the 10% that is missing,” said Jussaume. “The average rent for a tenant is about $300 to $400 a month.”

Besides living with a disability or an autism spectrum disorder, there are other criteria to be eligible for one of Han-Logement's apartments. 

“They have to be autonomous or partially autonomous because we do not deliver health-care services or supervision. If people need assistance they must be accompanied by a companion, by a social worker, caregiver, or relatives. They are to be on low incomes, low income means about $22,000 per year or less, to be eligible for the rent supplement of course, and be a resident for at least one year in the concerned city,” explained Jussaume. 

Han-Logement hopes that the new building will make a difference in the community. They are currently working on getting another project in Farnham. 

“It’s a response to the lack of affordable dwellings in the region and above all, personal benefits for tenants. The development of autonomy, full citizenship integration in their living environment, and as a result the development of self-esteem,” said Jussaume. 

For more information about Han-Logement and their projects. 

Listen to the full interview below: