Friendly House Director to Speak at D.C. Summit

"Building community one friend at a time"

Gay & Grey

Portland’s Gay & Grey program recently announced that on December 7th Mya Chamberlin (Friendly House Director of services) will be speaking in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) LGBTQ Elder Housing Summit. This summit brings together advocates from across the country who are dedicated to establishing safe housing for the LGBTQ elder community.

The summit will be webcasted via the HUD website.

Demographic shifts across the country have highlighted issues and challenges for older Americans. This is especially true for the LGBT elder community. LGBT elders have a number of stresses that expose them to particular vulnerabilities. For example, LGBT elders are more likely than other elders to age without the benefits of a partner and/or children and other family supports, increasing their reliance on assisted living and long-term care. In addition, even more affluent LGBT elders can be at risk, as discrimination and other legal barriers can be a barrier to accessing housing and long-term care,

stated the organization in a press release.

Portland’s Gay & Grey program, formally the ERA (Elder Resource Alliance), was created to enhance the lives of the older LGBTQ community through education and other resources. In 2010, Friendly House  adapted “SHARE”, a private non-profit that addresses the serious lack in housing for the LGBTQ minorities in metro Portland. Currently, the Friendly House is working on forming a sub-committee on housing. If you’re interested in becoming a part of this committee you can contact them through their website. You can  donate, volunteer or become a member. You can also attend the Gay & Grey resource expo, which is scheduled for May 12, 2012.

Gay & Grey Questions:  503-224-2640

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