“Oostrem” was founded in 1966 (VZW “Home voor Gehandicapten”). The organization is occupied with daily care and accompaniment of the mentally and physically disabled.  Oostrem started out as a small daycare center for 7 persons and gradually grew to be a medium-sized center providing adapted activities as well as a varied offer of residences.

Over a hundred disabled adults enjoy adapted accompaniment, ranging from intensive caretaking to a minimum of support in the guided employment group. In order to provide more specialized care, especially for people diagnosed with multiple scleroses and people with non-innate brain damage, building plans were drawn up.  A new home for 10 adults will be built along the Oostremstraat.

The Flemish Government has provided for “alternative financing”. Thus the building society can more easily take out a loan with a bank for building purposes. The government warrants 60 % of the building expenses, spreading the subsidies over a period of 20 years.  Also the National Lottery and other governmental departments pay their share.  The remaining amount, with governmental guarantee, is to be provided by the building society itself