General information
Habitat Philou
Habitat Philou provides full-time care for 12 adults with multiple disabilities, aged 21 and over. Located in the Ahuntsic neighborhood, Habitat is just steps away from the Île de la Visitation Nature Park.
The Approach
Habitat Philou is a living environment that allows adults with multiple disabilities to thrive fully and gain independence as they leave the family nest.
- In a supportive environment where adults with multiple disabilities can take part in neighborhood life and, in doing so, integrate into the community;
- Fully adapted and responsive to the needs of adults with multiple disabilities;
- In a stable, safe, and high-quality environment;
- “Within an agile organization that provides relevant and personalized services.
What sets us apart
A stimulating living environment offering comprehensive and specialized services for adults with multiple disabilities.
“Comprehensive, because our environment offers much more than just a place to live. It is a setting that allows residents to thrive fully, gradually gain independence from their family home, and live their own lives. Our community enables them to form deep social connections with other residents, continue building their self-determination by discovering new interests, and develop new skills.
Specialized, because our services are designed specifically for adults with multiple disabilities, built on 20 years of experience and research with this population. Our approach does not aim to replicate the traditional long-term care model but adapts to provide a living environment tailored to the exceptional needs of our residents.
Habitat Philou is:
- A bright and calming living environment specifically adapted to the needs of adults with multiple disabilities;
- “A family-like atmosphere with a community of engaged parents;
- Low staff-to-resident ratios (1:2) that allow time to be dedicated to each resident;
- A stable volunteer program;
- Private rooms and living areas that are adapted, warm, and welcoming;
- Activity rooms for everyone (motor skills room, arts and crafts room, interactive room, computer room, etc.);
- Outdoor living spaces (courtyard, balcony, garden, with direct access to Parc de la Visitation);
- Une programmation d’activités organisée par une enseignante en adaptation scolaire
- An activity program organized by a special education teacher;
- Neighborhood outings, cultural trips, and special activities that include residents’ families;
- Homemade meals tailored to each resident’s individual needs;
- Clear and transparent communication with families.
Admission and Fees
Admission Criterias
To be eligible for Habitat Philou, residents must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old and under 35 at the time of the admission application;
- Currently live in their natural home environment;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
- Be a person living with multiple disabilities (from moderate to severe) according to the definition of Centre Philou.
Eligibility is subject to a visit and assessment by Centre Philou.
Admission procedure
1. Open a file at Centre Philou
- Schedule an appointment with Sophie Ouellette, Director of Family Experience, for a tour of Habitat Philou with your child;
- Once the tour is complete, an admission file must be completed on-site.
2. Admission to Habitat Philou
- Placement on the waiting list following the admission tour, with entry to Habitat Philou based on available spots.
- Meeting for the signing of the service agreement and integration plan with Nellie Raby, Director of Habitat Philou.
Fees
Les frais mensuels correspondent au montant total de revenu de base ou de solidarité sociale reçu par le jeune de façon mensuelle*, et 500$ déboursé par le parent.
The monthly fees correspond to the total amount of basic income or social assistance received by the young adult on a monthly basis, plus $500 paid by the parent.
Family guidance
Our support extends to the whole family, from the polyimpaired child to the parents, siblings and grandparents. All the members of a family surrounding a polyimpaired child have a different vision of their reality and of the child. They also have different, but equally important, needs. We want to accompany families in their lives, sharing with them the good days, the victories, the uncertainties, the incomprehension, as well as the anger, so as to help them improve their daily lives.
A psychoeducator is always available to listen to all family members, guide them and answer their questions. This service is entirely free of charge for families of children who use the Centre’s services.
Sophie Ouellette is the Director of Family Experience for all families using Centre Philou services.
Trained as a psychoeducator, she offers support in various areas related to the challenges of polyimpairment:
- Finding the right resources to deal with daily or specific challenges;
- Planning for emergency Respite;
- Leveraging Philou’s experience to find solutions to different issues families may encounter with their children;
- Facilitating contacts between families;
- Organizing special activities such as parent-child yoga;
- Welcoming new families;
- Establishing relationships with partners of Centre Philou.
Email: [email protected]
Team
Nellie Raby is the Director of Habitat Philou. Her days are structured around managing the development programs of Habitat Philou.
Parents can contact her for matters related to the management of Habitat Philou.
Phone: (514) 739-4861 Ext.: 3005
Email: [email protected]
Charlélie Desputeau is the Coordinator of Habitat Philou.
Phone: (514) 739-4861 Ext.:
Email: [email protected]







