Innovation, Independence, and Integration – How a Non-Profit in Maine is Creating a New Paradigm in Accessible Housing

Have you ever wondered what you need to create inclusive, innovative & integrated accessible housing?  In this episode, Paul Linet introduces 3i HoME and talks about their upcoming affordable and accessible housing project. He stresses how there’s a dearth of accessible housing that meets the needs of people with mobility impairments and other disabilities. Paul digs deep into the challenges that are involved in creating accessible housing, and how you can help make this issue a priority. Let’s dive in!

Following decades of practice as an international trade attorney, in 2019 Paul Linet founded 3i Housing of Maine ("3i HoME") a 501c3 non-profit at the intersection of health care and stable affordable supportive housing for people with disabilities. 3i HoME is developing a universally designed, totally accessible apartment complex centered around the 3i's:  Independent living through Innovative technology in an Integrated home and community-based setting with person-centered, coordinated services.  

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 04:45] Opening Segment

How Paul ended up creating 3i Housing of Maine Building affordable and accessible housing in Maine Independent living through Innovative technology in an Integrated home and community Work with the local community members to ensure a project is sensitive to their needs and interests

[04:46 - 09:51] Innovation, Independence, and Integration 

The development of a community for people with physical disabilities How 3i is working with a nationwide affordable housing organization to make it accessible One of the principles of the development is that it is no age restriction and that people can age in place Individual units will have technology solutions to address specific needs

[09:52 - 14:58] Creating a New Paradigm in Accessible Housing

How Paul installed a  lift system to make it easier for her wife to move around the apartment What inclusive design means Integrating a service coordination function so that people have more options and less burden How the community is accessible to social environments 

[14:59 - 20:07] Building a Community for All

The need for accessible and affordable housing, and how this is a worldwide issue Are there enough accessible housing projects going on for people with disabilities? There is a dearth of accessible housing that will meet the needs of people with disabilities

[20:08 - 27:52] Closing Segment

How accessible housing can help to break down barriers between different communities It is important to help people with disabilities live in the community and with their families

Want to connect with Paul? Head to 3i Home, independent, innovative & integrated supportive housing!

Key Quotes:

"Our effort is now to really weave together some of the social determinants of health so that we can demonstrate that a better healthcare outcome will occur for our residents who are folks with physical disabilities." - Paul Linet

"Technology is one of the ways that can be braided together to enable people to exercise their right to live under circumstances that they choose" - Paul Linet

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