Dennis Couture may not have the ability to speak, but that’s not keeping his mom and dad from speaking out loud and clear for him.

“Dennis never worked and never will work. He is at the mercy of everyone and everything,” said his father, Albert Couture, describing his son, 35, who is a nonverbal autistic adult.

Albert and Jannette Couture, both Manchester residents, are fighting to get a Hooksett property tax exemption for their son, who owns a condominium in Hooksett.

The council did not pass an exemption but approved a motion that will allow for property owners with physical or development disabilities to apply for a hardship abatement. Councilors said this process will allow the board of assessor to review each request for property tax credits on a case-by-case basis. Richard Boulanger, a friend of the family, said Dennis Couture’s income is extremely fixed.

He was able to purchase the condo in Granite Hills in Hooksett in May 2008 through a state program called Home of Your Own, which no longer exists.

After making his mortgage payment, paying his bills and meeting other financial obligations, Boulanger said Dennis’ food budget is less than $7 per day. He spends less than $100 on clothes for an entire year. Meanwhile, his Hooksett property tax bill is nearing $4,000 annually.

“As property taxes and all the other things – those are challenges for him, just like any other homeowner. But he doesn’t have the ability to go get another job,” Boulanger said. “He could lose his home because the budget that he receives does not change. He only gets $7 a day for food – that’s not a lot of money.”

Fighting for the property tax credit was a crucial step in ensuring Dennis Couture can remain in his home.

“It’s important for Dennis – it’s important for all individuals with developmental disabilities – who have struggled with independence and trying to become a part of this community,” Albert Couture said.

Boulanger and Albert Couture agreed that Dennis, who has been transferred between institutions for the majority of his life, is much happier situated in his permanent residence with around-the-clock professional care. They are both committed to making sure he stays put.

“He is happy there. He is a different boy. He is a different man,” Albert Couture said.