What is shared housing and how does it work for people with disabilities?

Shared housing is a living arrangement where people with disabilities and able-bodied individuals live together in the same space. Each roommate has a private studio, while common areas, such as the kitchen and living room, are shared, thus promoting social interaction and mutual support.

Why is isolation a major issue for people with disabilities?

Isolation is a major issue because it can lead to psychological and physical suffering. A study by the Fondation de France reveals that 32% of people with disabilities often feel lonely, highlighting the need for solutions like shared housing to break this solitude.

How do shared housing arrangements contribute to the autonomy of people with disabilities?

Shared housing allows people with disabilities to live independently while benefiting from community support. They can develop daily living skills and enhance their independence, while being surrounded by others who share similar experiences.

What are the admission conditions to join a shared housing arrangement of Simon de Cyrène?

To join a shared housing arrangement, individuals with disabilities must have brain injuries and express a desire to live in a community. It is also important that they adhere to the collective project and are willing to work on their autonomy and interconnection with other roommates.

What is the mission of the Simon de Cyrène association and how is it funded?

The mission of the Simon de Cyrène association is to combat the isolation of people with disabilities by offering shared housing. Its funding primarily comes from the compensation plans for the disabilities of the roommates, as well as grants from the metropolitan area of Lyon and contributions from residents for rent and common services.

Why Shared Housing is a Solution Against Isolation for People with Disabilities?

Laetitia Jousse

Director — Simon de Cyrène

Why Shared Housing is a Solution Against Isolation for People with Disabilities?

10:33·21 June 2024

This article was automatically translated from its original Français version. Read the original

Laetitia Jousse leads Simon de Cyrène, an association based in Lyon, that offers shared housing between people with disabilities and able-bodied individuals.

According to a recent study by the Fondation de France, 32% of people with disabilities feel lonely "every day or almost every day"... A proportion that is higher than that of the general population (+10 points). Simon de Cyrène aims to combat the isolation of these individuals.

This figure is confirmed by the experience of Laetitia Jousse, the director of the association that offers shared housing to fight against this loneliness: “able-bodied individuals and people with disabilities come together to share good times and break the solitude.” she explains.

Several Simon de Cyrène residences have already been established in France.

In Lyon, it is a: “large shared apartment on a spacious 500 square meter floor where eleven people live. Individuals whose lives have changed due to disability following a car accident, a stroke, or with acquired brain injuries at birth” specifies Laetitia.

The experience is supervised by an apartment manager, life assistants, and two civic service volunteers. Only the common areas (living room, terrace) are shared. Tenants benefit from their own studio with a kitchenette and private bathroom. The rent is adjusted based on the status and compensation plan for the disability of each housemate.

Questions fréquentes

Shared housing is a living arrangement where people with disabilities and able-bodied individuals live together in the same space. Each roommate has a private studio, while common areas, such as the kitchen and living room, are shared, thus promoting social interaction and mutual support.