First Residences For LGBT Seniors Announced For New York City

"LGBT older people face a housing crisis," says SAGE director Michael Adams.
From: NewNowNext

 New York City will get its first residences aimed at housing LGBT seniors, thanks to a joint effort from SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), HELP USA and BFC Partners.

Together, the Ingersoll Senior Residences in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and the Crotona Senior Residences in the Bronx will offer 227 units and bring comprehensive, LGBT-inclusive services to older adults. They are both expected to open in 18-24 months.

 “LGBT older people face a housing crisis,” said SAGE director Michael Adams. “These groundbreaking developments are an important step toward combating that crisis in New York City by providing not only affordable and welcoming housing but also on-site services pioneered through SAGE’s network of LGBT senior centers.”

The group launched its National LGBT Elder Housing Initiative last year in response to evidence of widespread discrimination against LGBT older people in senior housing.

“For too long, our LGBT elder pioneers in New York City have lacked access to housing where they are welcomed for who they are,” added Adams. “Ingersoll and Crotona are a critically important step toward righting that wrong.”

As evidenced in the Logo documentary Gen Silent, LGBT seniors face unique challenges as they age—from isolation and financial hurdles to concerns over whether they can trust care professionals to be respectful and welcoming.

* Half of nursing home staffers say fellow workers are intolerant of LGBT people.

* Half of LGBT elders live alone, compared with 33% of the general population.

* Guidelines protecting LGBT seniors were created in 2006, but have never been enforced.

In his Pride proclamation this year, President Obama declared his Administration “to provide affordable, welcoming, and supportive housing to aging LGBT Americans.”

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