Housing
By 2030, there will be an estimated 7 million LGBTQ+ older adults reaching retirement.
To support the growing LGBTQ+ aging community, Elder Pride Services’ volunteer Housing Committee is committed to empowering LGBTQ+ older adults in their quest for safe and welcoming housing in independent and assisted living facilities.
Through our monthly affordable housing workshops, EPS equips LGBTQ+ older adults with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of securing affordable housing, ensuring they find a place where they can thrive safely and comfortably. Elder Pride Services’ volunteer Housing Committee works to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are educated and empowered when looking for safe housing in independent living and assisted living facilities.
Housing Needs for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
In the 2021 Oregon LGBTQ+ Older Adult Report, nearly two-thirds (64%) of participants were not confident they would be able to continue living in their current housing. The most frequently reported reasons include:
- Concerns about their health (38%)
- Risk of foreclosure or eviction (36%)
- Aging related needs (29%)
- Unsafe housing or environment (11%); rising crime rate in their current neighborhood (9%)
- Desire to move with family or friends (11%)
If you are an LGBTQ+ elder who is interested in being part of our monthly Housing Committee, or if you would like more information regarding the housing assessment or housing resources, please contact us for more information.
Are you interested in becoming an LGBT-designated Housing Provider? Contact us to learn more.
The Opal
An inclusive community for people aged 55 and older, with services for LGBTQ+ community members provided onsite by Friendly House Elder Pride Services. The Opal opened in April 2024, thanks to a diverse network of community partners, including Home First Development, Christ United Methodist Church, Washington County, Metro, and many others. We are proud to have the privilege of offering ongoing resident services coordination, community building opportunities, and case management for residents of The Opal.
The Opal
2691 NW Dogwood St.
Portland, Oregon 97229
(503) 894-7768
Please contact eps@fhpdx.org for more information about lease referrals or resident services. Visit Home First Development’s website for more information on the housing development.
Friendly Thoughts
As a housing provider, we want to be sure that our housing is open and welcoming to everyone in addition to being reflective of the community as a whole. Fair housing legislation provides parameters for preventing discrimination at the entry level into housing, but our partnership with Elder Pride Services helps us to ensure that we are prioritizing the needs and wants of LGTBQ elders and responding appropriately to issues of bullying or discrimination that may arise. Elder Pride Services allows us to demonstrate our commitment to a safe and dignified housing experience for LGBT elders, furthering our organizational mission and resulting in happier, healthier communities.