SAGE is one of the country’s largest and oldest organizations dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders. SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ elders, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBTQ+ life in later years. One of the most significant concerns for LGBTQ+ elders that SAGE works to address is access to safe, affordable housing. Housing concerns impact many older adults, but for LGBTQ+ elders there are added challenges that have built up over a lifetime. These challenges require a dedicated and thoughtful approach from housing providers to ensure LGBTQ+ elders can access affordable housing free from discrimination.
SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative and policy team is dedicated to working with housing providers and a national network of local LGBTQ+ advocates to ensure housing is both affordable and affirming. New LGBTQ+ affirming affordable elder housing developments are increasing across the country, and serving as important models for how an inclusive housing community can be a success. However, with limited funding available for new construction, LGBTQ+ elders will continue to rely on existing programs for housing. SAGE is excited to work with any and all PHAs interested in expanding their work in creating more affirming LGBTQ+ housing, or simply interested in learning more about reaching out to this community. SAGE’s experience supporting the expansion of LGBTQ+ culturally competent services and housing through training and technical assistance, and the number of individuals served by public housing authorities offers an important opportunity to dramatically increase access to safe and affirming housing for the LGBTQ+ community.
If your organization already works with LGBTQ+ seniors, has initiatives geared towards this population, or would like to learn more about increasing services for this population, please reach out to Housing Is and/or SAGE!