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Housing

Ensuring Safe, Affirming, and Affordable Housing for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

The four million LGBTQ+ older adults in the United States face unique challenges as they age, with access to safe, affordable, and affirming housing being a top concern. Fewer familial resources, combined with the increasing demand for senior housing as people live longer, contribute to discrimination that puts LGBTQ+ older adults at greater risk for health problems, isolation, financial insecurity, and more. In Michigan, LGBTQ+ older adults are a diverse group with a wide range of needs and preferences. While some wish to age in place, others seek the support of a community setting, and many would like to live in LGBTQ+ affirming communities designed to provide safety, inclusivity, and tailored resources.

Appropriate housing is a cornerstone of wellness, and a major concern for many older adults. Unfortunately, bias and discrimination can make it more difficult for LGBT older people to find housing that is safe, affordable, and conducive to aging well.

Addressing the diverse housing needs of LGBTQ+ older adults requires a comprehensive, community-based approach—one that aligns with the efforts long championed by SAGE USA and their National LGBTQ+ Housing Initiative (NHI). At MiGen, we are committed to developing a broad, community-driven range of housing solutions and support services, including:

  • Educating individuals about their housing rights, especially in light of the 2023 updates to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), which now prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Training housing providers on how to effectively work with, house, and serve LGBTQ+, including developers, long-term care (LTC) and skilled nursing facilities, rental housing providers, Fair Housing organizations, aging care organizations, homeownership and retention programs, and more.
  • Advocating for legislative and other policy changes that impact our LGBTQ+ older adults and their ability to age in safe, affirming and affordable housing.
  • Expanding our services to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults, whether by providing funding for necessary home repairs, providing social connections, working to identify affirming long-term care options, providing utility assistance, and more. 
  • Expanding housing options for LGBTQ+ older adults by developing new housing, collaborating with existing providers to make their spaces more welcoming and affirming, and exploring alternative models such as co-operative housing.

Current Strategies to Assist LGBTQ+ Older Adults with Housing-Related Needs

  • – Providing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training, education, and credentialing to housing and care providers throughout Michigan.
  • – Gathering existing affirming housing resources into a guide that will be available to the community free of charge.
  • – Advocating for policies that enable LGBTQ+ elders to age successfully, in partnership with the Michigan State Advisory Council on Aging and Governor Whitmer’s Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission.
  • – Engaging in research, community building and exploring housing needs and models as a founding member of the HOMES Coalition. Read the report here. 
  • – Providing funding for home modifications or other emergency needs to keep LGBTQ+ older adults housed through our Community Navigation Program.
  • – Working with LGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them to identify affirming housing, both independent and in care settings. If you need help finding affirming housing, please contact us. 
  • – Engaging in a 24/7 feedback cycle with our communities. Contact us and let us know what your needs and priorities are; MiGen also keeps office hours Monday – Friday from 10am to 4pm at our senior center location in Ferndale. You never need an appointment to come by.  

Future Strategies to Assist LGBTQ+ Older Adults with Housing Related Needs

  • – Expanding programs and opportunities for LGBTQ+ older adults to connect through monthly events at our Ferndale senior center, as well as an annual town hall, where the community can engage with MiGen, learn about our efforts, and share feedback.
  • – Using community feedback to develop an LGBTQ+ older adult housing blueprint for MiGen, which includes short-, mid-, and long-term strategies to improve housing options and support for LGBTQ+ older adults across Michigan.
  • – Seeking additional funding and support for home modifications, rental assistance, and other services to help LGBTQ+ individuals remain in their homes.
  • – Partnering with Fair Housing organizations to educate consumers and housing providers on the rights of LGBTQ+ older adults
  • – Collaborating with existing housing providers to offer training and credentialing that will convert current housing units into affirming spaces. This may also include providing affirming services within these locations to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults. By the end of 2026, our goal is to transform at least 10 affordable, moderate, or mixed-rate buildings into affirming housing.