Saturday, November 27, 2010

A look into housing options for LGBT elders



I came across an interesting video today from In The Life TV which explored some of the current housing projects and plans underway for LGBT elders. The video was split into two parts. The first which interviews different lesbian women on growing up as Lesbian in very conservative, closed-minded communities. One woman Hilda Rush age 93s aid, "I don't feel that I can be my person here. I can't be who I am." Hilda and other women have experienced people who are openly hostile to lesbians. Ms. Rush recalls walking at night with the woman she was seeing at the time, wanting to hold hands, but knowing she can't. There is definitely a hint of fear in Hilda's voice and she said, "it's dangerous to let people know who you are" because of the propensity that they will be closed to the situation.

The second half of the video focused on some of the current projects. Joy Silver was featured to talk about Rainbow Vision located in Santa Fe. This project is the first and largest of its kind in the whole world. Rainbow vision is a project to build and finance condos, independent living rentals and assisted living all in one community. Silver expressed the importance that even the assisted living patients need to be integrated into a community.

The goal of Rainbow Vision is to give a family to people who are alone. One of the great stresses of aging as a member of the LGBT community is aging alone. Rainbow Vision seeks to combat this by providing a community that their residents can feel comfortable in and truly call home.

Currently there is a small growing number of LGBT aging communities. But the big problem? There aren't enough! and they are just not affordable. Very few companies offer good pension plans to LGBT members, and they have to live right up against what they have - money is very tight. One community, Triangle Square in Hollywood attempts to provide affordable housing to gay and lesbians. However, they only have 100 units available for a 6000 people waiting list!!!

The developers of these projects are faced with the great challenge of providing affordable housing for large numbers. Rainbow Vision appears to be a step in the right direction.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fs5zskgxXU
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousNovember 28, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    Dear Ella
    Thank you for your kind words about the only community that offers a continuum of care for LGBT and allies. I do want to clear up a couple of misconceptions. Our goal at RainbowVision is not to solely give those who are alone a family. Everyone needs a sense of family, family of choice whether single, partnered, divorced, etc. RainbowVision is a Community of Living Diversity: sexual orientation, partnership status, age, religion, race, etc. RainbowVision is a community where one can live in freedom and acceptance. Our many allies who live at RainbowVision expressly wanted the diversity that we offer.
    Most importantly is that we come prepared for our second fifty years: financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Becoming a community member will not automatically change our true nature, unless we are willing and committed to working and changing on a very deep personal level. As a favorite movie character once said: "Wherever you go, there you are".
    We wish to thank the amazing producer/director of the piece you saw on "In the Life", Mike Jacoby. He creates magic on film. BTW, Hilda Rush is now 98 years old and still living at RainbowVision. Our youngest member is 45...truly Living Diversity come to life. Come for a visit...you will be amazed.

    All the best,
    Jane Steinberg
    National Director, Marketing and Sales
    RainbowVision Properties
    505.428.2844
    jsteinberg@rainbowvisionprop.com

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