When 16-year old Selim was born, he was as healthy as other newborns. But by the time he turned three years old, his parents, Avni and Evrim, were worried when he did not meet standard child development milestones.
Those worries turned to heartbreak when just before he turned four, Selim was diagnosed with Duschenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition with progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
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“It was very hard to get this news,” says Selim’s mother, Evrim. “You begin to think about the challenges your child will have while growing up. He will eventually not be able to walk. He may lose his upper body function. This made us realize that we would ultimately have to make changes to our home.
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The changes that the family would need to make came more quickly than they thought when Selim fell at school and broke his leg in two places, landing him in a wheelchair while he healed.
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The family realized they had to make changes to their home right away.
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“Selim’s room entry was not wide enough for a wheelchair,” added Evrim. “Our bathroom was also a big problem. We have a bathtub and there was no way a wheelchair could have gone into our current bathroom.”
Evrim heard about Metro Housing’s Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) from a mother of another child who had muscular dystrophy. HMLP is a statewide program funded by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to help elders and people with disabilities stay in their homes by making them accessible through no-interest loans.
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“I contacted Metro Housing and spoke to Jennifer, who was very helpful. I had worries about the process because there was so much paperwork. But Jennifer really directed us. She gave so much helpful information such as how to find a contractor and how the loan can be used.”
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Working with their contractor and an architect, the family converted their garage into a bedroom with an accessible bathroom. The newly renovated space included a separate entrance with a ramp.
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The changes were life-altering for Selim. “I feel better with the changes that were made because I can get around my room more easily. I can go in the shower and use the toilet much more easily. I feel much more independent.”
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As parents, that is all Evrim and her husband could ever ask for. “Now that the project is finished, I have a big relief. I can honestly say that I can sleep peacefully knowing that Selim has a bedroom, that he is safe, and he can take a shower by himself. He is 16 and he deserves that.
"Thank you, Metro Housing, for helping us have a safe living space for our son. It is amazing that he can be at home, and we don’t have to worry about his safety. He can access anything even when he starts using a wheelchair. His room and bathroom are ready so he can have as much independence as possible”
– EVRIM
HOME MODIFICATION LOAN PROGRAM (HMLP)
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The Home Modification Loan Program is an innovative state lending program that helps qualifying participants finance home modifications. It assists seniors, individuals, and families with children with disabilities to finance the cost of renovations to their primary residence, allowing individuals to remain at home. he Home Modification Loan Program is an innovative state lending program that helps qualifying participants finance home modifications. It assists seniors, individuals, and families with children with disabilities to finance the cost of renovations to their primary residence, allowing individuals to remain at home.