Rose’s masterpieces—courtesy of the Home Modification Loan Program
When Danielle purchased her circa 1925 home in Chicopee in 2023, she knew it needed some modifications for the safety and comfort of her then nine-year-old daughter Rose, who has autism. Things like a sensory room and safeguards for outdoor play.
“Children with autism, they experience life much differently than we do. They hear, feel, and experience things differently. Things that we may not notice or think about. Like a loud sound or a truck coming down the street, or a big dog, that’s just regular for us. But for Rose, it scares her and causes her to panic,” said Danielle, whose daughter was diagnosed at age two and a half.
All in due time, Danielle conceded, as she envisioned gradually chipping away at updates. That is, until she heard about the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) from a friend.
“The program is absolutely amazing. It’s for families in need who are elderly or have disabilities. It’s super helpful and convenient, you can get what you need done to make your house comfortable and safe for your loved one without having to pay out of pocket upfront. And it’s so much easier to have everything done at once,” said Danielle of the state-funded program, which provides 0% interest loans up to $50,000 to homeowners they can make modifications for increased safety, independence, and accessibility. Landlords with fewer than 10 units may be eligible for a 3% loan for an eligible tenant.
Danielle was glad to share her HMLP story—as it was shortly after she read about an Amherst couple’s experience with the program that she inquired with Way Finders.
“I looked the program up online. I saw a story about somebody receiving a stairlift and they sounded really happy,” said Danielle. “I reached out and was contacted by Homeownership Lending Advisor Amneris Moreno, who went over the program and emailed me the application. I filled it out, submitted the required documents, then reached out to contractors.”
While doing a walk-through of her property with the contractor, Danielle relayed specific input she’d received from her daughter’s healthcare provider—regarding safety, lighting, and therapy features. Through the HMLP, Danielle created a sensory room and modified the bathroom and backyard.
“Art is definitely how Rose expresses herself. What I mean to say is, art is her therapy. If she’s having a rough day, she’ll draw. If she’s having a happy day, she’ll draw. No matter what the mood is, drawing satisfies her,” said Danielle of Rose, who also loves swimming and reading. “So, to now have this sensory room for her, it’s so well insulated that it’s almost soundproof. She goes in there and can’t hear the outside noises. There’s a sensory canoe, which is padded and rocks, where she sits and reads. It’s a haven for her to do her artwork, have quiet time and debrief. Just her own little sanctuary.”
Rose’s sensory room is well stocked—canvases, pastels, a chalkboard wall. There are dimmable lights plus a color-changing LED light—which spells out ‘Rose’s Masterpieces’—that she can change to suit her mood. The accent wall is her favorite color: pink.
When Rose is not making art, there’s a good chance she’s outside hunting for bugs under their large silver maple tree. Or riding her bike around the half-acre yard with her best friend, who sleeps over every other weekend. Or making s’mores by the glow of the firepit. Or taking a bath in the jacuzzi tub.
“The girl loves water! She sits in the tub every night with the jets on and plays, she has the time of her life. The bathroom was gutted, the door was changed to a sliding door so it is easier for her to maneuver,” said Danielle. “And you have to see the fence at night. It has LED caps which pop on when it gets dark, it’s so beautiful. And it’s a great guide and perimeter for her. When we’re outside at night, she’s not afraid to go inside.”
The new fence also has an alarm to notify Danielle if Rose leaves the yard. “These changes gave me peace of mind. Now Rose can run in the backyard, and I don’t have to worry about her running into the street, because the street is just so busy,” said Danielle.
Getting to this relaxed place may not have seemed possible just a few years ago. “Rose’s daycare providers noticed that she wasn’t making eye contact. And she would play next to kids but wouldn’t play with kids. The diagnosis of autism, it was a surprise, I was so distraught,” said Danielle. “But now, I see it was a good surprise. And I wouldn’t have her any other way. She’s perfect. And now our house is so comfortable, and my daughter is living her best life. She’s in her sensory room, we call it her art room, much more than her bedroom. She lives in there!”
While Danielle noted that living with construction was a little bit difficult, and that the HMLP process took a bit of time, it was all worth it. And she didn’t have to go it alone.
“Amneris was absolutely amazing, she’s a breath of fresh air. She made it so easy to go through the process. As a matter of fact, the first contractor that I chose didn’t work out, so she was very patient with me and gave me resources to help find another one,” said Danielle. “She was super understanding, empathetic, and knowledgeable. She explained all the rules so you can understand them.”
Of note, Way Finders’ service area for the HMLP includes nine towns and general home repairs are not eligible; the modification needs to directly relate to a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis, as documented by a professional. Income guidelines are quite generous – a family of three must earn no more than $326,400 per year. Those who receive funding are not required to make monthly payments. Payment of the HMLP loan is required only when the property is sold, or the property title is transferred to someone else or to a Trust (or if any condition of the loan agreement is not met).
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