Most Valuable Info

Show of hands please. 

Have you ever noticed that the most valuable information ever given to you on this journey has been received from another person in the special needs community and, sadly, not from those that are paid to assist our families? I know that's definitely how it was when my daughters were young and sadly it doesn't seem to have changed any.

Unfortunately, getting information in this matter is always hit and miss. That's the reason I believe that it's ivitally mportant for each of us to share whatever information we come upon that might help others. 

In that vein, I offer you "A Funding Source":

Just wanted to reach out to you all and let you know about a funding source that we stumbled upon that has turned out to be shockingly good. I thought some of you may be interested in this as our kids are all nearing adulthood.

Housing NS has a program called the RRAP (Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program) for landlords. It is not based on your income but on the income of the renter. Their income must be less than $32,000 for your to qualify. The goal is to create long term housing for low income Nova Scotians,($24,000 available) and there are more incentives (additional $16,000 available) to create an accessible space.

Since*** now receives the Disability Support Program monthly allotment from Community Services, we decided to act as his landlords and create an apartment for him in our basement as a transition space for him to practice independent living skills and allow us to bring in more outside help in a way that isn't.  We were going to do this anyway but this program made it possible to do it much better than we could have on our own.

Turns out we were eligible for $40,000 in funding to do this. This is a forgivable loan that we do not have to pay back as long as **** lives with us for 8 years, or if he moves out we would need to rent it to another low income disabled person until the 8 years is up. The range of forgiveness is 8 – 15 years depending on how much of your own money you put into the project over and above the money they give you.

It is a lengthy process and involves loads of paperwork, zoning, building permits, inspections, and the ability to fund the project until they reimburse you once it is complete. You also need to register the money as a mortgage on your house which involves a lawyer. That being said it is well worth it, and we are nearing completion of ****’s apartment right now, which we designed to be accessible for him now and for how things may change in the future. Didn’t want to jinx it until we got the funds but it is all settled now so thought I would spread the word.

I would be pleased to answer any questions any of you might have and guide you through the process that worked for us. 

I must say, it does sound intriguing.