Initially there was a certain amount of trepidation about re-housing people who had, for a number of years, had the security and awareness of the twenty-four-hour, seven-days-a-week support that Id-Dar Tal-Providenza's residential staff offered - but in a short space of time those fears proved to be groundless. The natural ability development programs, that all of the residents of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza enjoy from the day they arrive.

The residents of Zerniq, who are all ladies with physical and/or mental impairments, live in harmony together with their house pet, a dog called 'Matilda' who has been with them for the last four years.

Working on a shift system round-the-clock, seven-days-a-week, there is at all times a Care-Supporter in the house. They are there to supply back up and advice only - the residents do everything that needs to be done in the home for themselves, including making their own beds, cooking their own meals, helping with the cleaning, washing dishes etc.

Under the watchful eye of the on-duty Care-Supporter, the occupants jointly agree decisions about meal-menus, shopping, outings and other activities. There are no 'bosses'. Everyone is considered equal and they all share the responsibility of running the house. Working together and being thoughtful and considerate to others all goes towards the 'ideal' - that of developing and maintaining loving, caring, relationships.

All of the lady residents have jobs out in the community and each one contributes a small portion of their earnings towards the housekeeping. This is in line with Id-Dar Tal-Providenza's ongoing program of helping their residents to develop the necessary skills to enable them to become fully responsible members of society.

Zerniq is a terraced house that has been extensively modernized with the installation of a lift, wide doorways and corridors and bathrooms with fittings designed to assist those with specific impairments to make their use as easy as possible. It is a bright and airy house with large tastefully decorated and furnished 'homely' rooms throughout.

From the moment you enter the house it feels welcoming. The spacious entrance hall gives direct access to a wide staircase leading to the first floor, the lift and access to the large well fitted, kitchen-dining area where the residents prepare their meals, under the direction of the Care-Supporter on duty at the time, and dine around the communal dining table.