Property Acquisition and Development

The Service Foundation for People with an Intellectual Disability wants to play a part in improving the housing options for people with an intellectual disability and others with special needs. Based on an individual’s need, the Foundation acquires properties for independent living and develops new-build group homes according to local need. We are glad to help with the search for a suitable home.

Living alone or with a friend

The Foundation purchases a property with the help of Finland’s Slot Machine Association grant. The property is then let to a person with an intellectual disability. Substantial part of the rent is covered by housing benefit. The support arrangements are organised by the individual’s local authority. The support needs can be met by a personal assistant or by other arrangements based on the individual’s specific needs.

In order to match those who are seeking housing with suitable properties, the Foundation works in partnership with different groups. These include the districts and local groups affiliated to the Finnish Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities who are key players in this work. Likewise, contact is welcome from families, relatives and people with an intellectual disability themselves.

The starting point must be the desire of the person with an intellectual disability to have their own home – either alone or sharing with suitable partners. Moving to one’s own home, which is in a familiar location and near to existing support networks, often works best.

Own home in a group home

The Foundation has developed group homes in different parts of Finland and is continuing to build new ones. The group homes and individual flats are designed with local needs in mind and according to the law governing grants for disability services. People residing in these homes have special needs and require continuous care and support with their daily lives.

A group home project usually commences when a local authority - or a group of authorities - identify a need for supported housing and related services. All approaches concerning housing or building projects are welcome. We encourage approaches to be made in the first instance by the affiliated districts and local groups or by local authority social services representatives.