LGBTQ+ Housing Development: Lessons Learned

Internal and External Partnership Building is Crucial

In 2015, two developers approached SAGE about two separate proposed LGBTQ+ welcoming housing projects; HELP USA in the Bronx and BFC Partners in Brooklyn. These two internal partnerships were foundational to the housing project and more detail can be found in our case study.

External partnerships were just as important. We cultivated trust from the very beginning of the planning process, which meant identifying existing relationships in the community, including elected officials, community boards, community residents, community organizations, and religious or social institutions. Consideration for the complicated history of housing policy and displacement meant bringing the needs of local residents and entities into the fold. We also worked closely with other community partners in the development process: state agencies, elected officials, philanthropy organizations, police precincts, community organizations, and even in-residence tenant associations.

All of these partners were vital in the process of establishing the two developments.

Understanding the Potential Timing of Site Acquisition

Neither residence required a site acquisition process, saving time for the developer teams in the planning processes. For Stonewall House, the site was already identified by BFC Partners. For Crotona Pride House, the site was already owned by HELP USA, and the residence was built on a former parking lot. Other projects may need to invest a considerable amount of research, community feedback sessions, and competitive processes to acquire a site. This may include plans for a new building or a building rehab.

Construction Takes Time and Intentional Design

Construction typically takes approximately 18 to 24 months, depending on the size and demands of the building. Delays, such as archaeological finds (Stonewall) or issues with nearby buildings (Crotona), are common for construction projects, especially at the scale of LGBTQ+ inclusive affordable elder housing.

During construction of these two buildings, SAGE ensured that the architects and the builders centered age-friendly design in the physical infrastructure of each building, which considered fine motor, physical, and cognitive decline. Design elements may include emergency alert systems in common or private spaces; smooth brick and doorway design to prevent fall hazards; well-lit and non-institutional lighting; or shower bars and chairs.

Geographic location is also critical. It’s important to think about walkability and accessibility for wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility support, proximity to essential staples and fresh food, and access to transportation.

Securing Capital Requires Creativity, Flexibility, and Persistence

SAGE’s housing projects faced last-minute financing gaps, which required creative and persistent fundraising campaigns. To close that gap, we undertook a fundraising campaign focused on government sources, such as the New York City Council, and on private foundations. We worked closely with New York State and City elected officials to secure significant financial support from the New York City Council. Other funders include the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and HPD’S Senior Affordable Rental Program (SARA).

SAGE utilized creative and persistent fundraising campaigns through various avenues to address the unexpected financial gaps in development.

Establish Local Buy-In Every Step of the Way

An important step to developing inclusive housing is establishing a connection with the neighborhood that the development will most impact. A development can also serve the surrounding residents of the community, and engaging these stakeholders as equal partners in the development process is imperative to creating equitable housing.

Stonewall House is located in the Fort Greene community of Brooklyn, a historically Black neighborhood which has been significantly gentrified over the last decades. Local community members were wary of the impact of another new, tall housing development in the neighborhood. In response to these concerns, SAGE and our partners worked to build the trust of the community and to learn from the community about their neighborhood desires and needs.

A vital lesson in this process is to involve community members of the desired development neighborhood well before the actual development process begins.