The Creating Home Roundtable -- Over 60 Pennsylvanians Gathered to Discuss LGBTQ+ Elder Housing

On December 7th, SAGE, partnering with organizations across the state, hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss LGBTQ+ elder housing advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania. The event, Creating Home: A Roundtable to Discuss LGBTQ+ Elder Housing in Pennsylvania, highlighted the need for more affordable and inclusive older adult housing in Pennsylvania.

Ed Miller, Senior Programs Manager of the Elder Initiative at William Way Community Center, kicked off the event. Ed spoke about the national and state-wide needs for LGBTQ+ inclusive elder housing. Ed highlighted the important work of the John C. Anderson Apartments in Philadelphia, an LGBTQ+ inclusive residence for older adults. This event also highlighted an LGBTQ+ inclusive, affordable housing development in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This upcoming development, supported by Presbyterian Senior Care and The Persad Center, will increase the number of affordable, LGBTQ+ affirming rental units available for older adults in Pennsylvania.

Following these speakers, a panel of industry experts in LGBTQ+ housing, housing discrimination, affordable housing, and property management offered their wisdom and guidance on LGBTQ+ affirming, affordable housing for older adults. The panel highlighted important discussions on community involvement, anti-discrimination policy, and inclusive practices to support LGBTQ+ residents. Participants were able to spend the last hour of the event in smaller breakout sessions that supported more intimate conversation on housing advocacy for LGBTQ+ older adults.

The speakers, panelists, and breakout sessions included challenging and inspiring conversation. This event highlighted the need for continued advocacy alongside LGBTQ+ older adults. The conversation at this roundtable established the momentum and connections needed to continue this important work into the future!

Individuals who are interested in supporting Pennsylvanian LGBTQ+ older adults in need of housing or who would like a recording of the conversation can email tgodwin@sageusa.org.

Additional Notes: Event speakers included representatives from SAGE, The William Way Community Center in Philadelphia, a Pennsylvania Branch of the Walters-Group, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and Openhouse in San Francisco.

SAGE's state partners for this event included The William Way Community Center, The LGBT Elder Initiative, The Persad Center, Presbyterian Senior Care, The Western PA Advocacy Team, and The Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs in Philadelphia.

This event was made possible by the generous support of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

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Creating Home: A Roundtable to Discuss LGBTQ+ Elder Housing in Pennsylvania - Posted Dec 13, 2022