Leading the way on affirming housing for LGBTQ+ elders
One of the most significant concerns for LGBTQ+ elders is safe, affordable housing. Discrimination puts LGBTQ+ elders at greater risk for chronic health problems, social isolation, poverty, and premature mortality.
Are you an LGBTQ+ elder or caregiver looking for information about inclusive communities or housing?
Do you want to build LGBTQ+ Inclusive Housing?
This document summarizes our insights and step-by-step journey in building our two LGBTQ+-friendly housing developments.
Who We Serve
Developers, Community Organizers and Service Providers
The housing development process is multifaceted and involves a range of stakeholders. SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative can help support you from ideation through lease-up in establishing partnerships, learning about financing, engaging with the community, building a marketing strategy, and more.
We are here to provide technical assistance and serve as a national resource.
Elders and Caregivers
The NHI is dedicated to providing information that helps LGBTQ+ elders and allies make informed decisions when it comes to housing. We want to support elders and caregivers in finding inclusive communities and in self-advocacy.
What We Do
How We Address Housing Challenges
With our National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative, we’re addressing these challenges on several fronts by:
- Helping builders across the U.S. replicate LGBTQ+-friendly housing
- Building LGBTQ+-friendly housing in New York City
- Training elder care providers to be LGBTQ+ culturally competent
- Advocating for policies that ensure LGBTQ+ elders across the country can access welcoming housing
- Educating you about your housing rights
Housing Possibility Models
From innovative shared living to affirming, identity-centered spaces, these models expand what “home” can mean. Explore options like Cohousing, Community Land Trusts, Limited Equity Cooperatives, Homesharing, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Transgender-Affirming Housing – each offering a unique path toward stability, equity, and belonging.
Check Out Our Housing-Related Resources
See all our helpful content related to housing for LGBTQ+ older people, including policy briefs, webinars, and videos.
Read About National Housing Updates
Connect to the national dialogue on the LGBTQ+ elder housing landscape.
Milken Institute and SAGE Report on Financing Affordable and LGBTQ+-Affirming Elder Housing at Scale
This report by the Milken Institute in partnership with SAGE outlines groundbreaking solutions to the lack of affordable and safe housing available to LGBTQ+ seniors.
Trainings for Housing Developers
The National Housing Initiative is now offering training for housing developers, property management, and service providers interested in developing LGBTQ-affirming affordable elder housing. Training will focus on the development, management, and service provision needs specific to this type of housing, as well as ways to build your unique competitive edge in the field.
SAGE’s Housing Development Toolkit
SAGE’s Housing Development Toolkit: Strategies for Housing Developers and Nonprofits/CBOs in Developing LGBTQ-Affirming Affordable Elder Housing is a nine-module resource that provides a comprehensive roadmap through the entire development process.
Access the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
Find publications, fact sheets, guides, and assistance on nearly a thousand topics relevant to LGBTQ+ aging.
The state of LGBTQ+ elder housing
Find out more about LGBTQ+ housing rights and resources where you live.
With decades of experience in advocacy and support, SAGE has empowered countless elders across the country by providing vital services, fostering community, and ensuring that nobody has to age alone.
“Home means to me to be in safe environments, have community and personal supports, living our life as we are, and exemplifying pride, love, and caring to all people.”
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