Home Ownership for All!
by John Wallace
Whittier Avenue, Pittsfield: A lovely three-bedroom Cape on a tree-lined street of single family homes. In the back of the house, there is a deck on two levels with the first level screened in this spring. The back yard is a landscaping gardener’s dream with a large bed of bee balm, clematis vines, mountain laurel and rhododendrons as well as other perennial flower beds that will flourish with nurturing attention.

If this catches your interest, sorry it’s already sold. It’s owner - Matt Quallen, an individual served by Berkshire County Arc.

Sparked by a series of workshops sponsored by BCARC in 1996, Mark Quallen, Matt’s brother, began to look into home ownership. He attributes the financial framework for this purchase to Theresa Varnet, an expert in disability law. Attorney Varnet was able to show Mark and his family how Matt could benefit from the trust fund set up by his parents without losing government benefits. Mark’s interest in home ownership for Matt was also supported by BCARC. Over the course of the past year, countless meetings were held to hammer out the details of the purchase and staff supports with Mark, Ken Singer and                                                         

    

Matt and his family celebrate his new home at the recent housewarming on April 23rd. Guests came from as far as Boston to attend!

"Partnership is crucial between the private sector [parents and family] and the public sector [provider agencies and government]... It is literally like threading a needle,"
Mark Quallen explained

Known as the Supported Living Model, Matt’s preferences and input were sought from the start. Matt wanted to have a housemate that was also a good friend so he invited Joe to share his new home. The home was purchased, renovated and staffed with assistance from BCARC and on February 5th, Matt and Joe moved in. While far from plentiful, Supported Living situations are being developed more and
more to provide individuals with the lifestyles that they prefer and are most beneficial to them. “Duplicating this should not be impossible especially if parents can understand how to make their assets work for their children,” states Mark Quallen.

Their new home provides Matt and Joe with a golden opportunity for unlimited community involvement. Matt seems very happy enjoying walks in the neighborhood, as well as the greater amount of personal privacy and visits from his friend, Robert. Joe is very pleased too, especially since Matt invited him to share the house with him. He relishes the increased amount of personal attention and even enjoys answering the phone now. Having only one housemate has fostered a greater sense of personal well being and personal space for Joe.

Matt and Joe eagerly planned their Open House held on April 23rd which proved to be a “standing room only” event with family, friends and neighbors in attendence. A special thank you to DMR Commissioner Gerald Morrissey who traveled from Boston that evening to attend. Always great hosts, Matt and Joe’s spring housewarming was a perfect way to celebrate all the hard work and effort that brought this innovative project to life.                                                    

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