Our History

Founded in 2001, Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH) is a non-profit organization committed to constructing and maintaining high-quality affordable residential communities that provide a safe nurturing environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) older adults.

GLEH is the outgrowth of a community organization called the Alliance for Diverse Aging Community Services (A-DACS). A-DACS was a community-based group started under the fiscal management of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center (LAGLC) with a $90,000 grant received from the Aging with Dignity Initiative established by Governor Gray Davis in the 2000-01 state budget. The Governor’s initiative included the administration of a grants program which would develop alternatives to nursing homes. The one-time startup funds challenged organizations to develop programs which could be sustained and replicated. A-DACS was responsible for addressing the unique needs & challenges of the aging GLBT population by: identifying gaps of services available to GLBT older adults; developing a plan for a full-range of services – including housing – for GLBT elders; and building a collaboration of service providers by conducting “sensitivity trainings” dealing with issues faced by GLBT elders.

With the one-time grant that expired in spring 2002 – and the LAGLC unable to assist with future funding for A-DACS – the group incorporated as its own 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization on December 26th, 2001, under the name GLEH.

The new non-profit was founded with the support of a board of directors comprised of concerned individuals with diverse backgrounds including several prominent real estate professionals as well as accomplished representatives from the philanthropic, social service and entertainment fields. GLEH was formed to deal with the lack of diverse, supportive living communities for GLBT older adults.

The organization has broken ground on a 104-unit project to be located at the intersection of Selma & Ivar Avenues in Hollywood, which will provide an affirming environment for GLBT elders. The residents of the building will live in private apartments outfitted with their favorite furniture and belongings. Units will include kitchen, living room/dining room, and full handicap-accessible bathrooms. We will also make available to residents supportive services, housekeeping, laundry, meals and access to transportation. The facility is intended for individuals who may require some assistance with daily activities but are not in need of assisted living or skilled nursing. Our goal is to foster independent living in a supportive environment.

Additionally, GLEH is sensitive to the varied cultural demographic in Los Angeles and is creating an on-site community center, which will be operated by an existing Los Angeles based agency. This community center will foster a multi-cultural atmosphere and provide culturally competent recreational and social services for GLBT older adults. The facility will provide assistance and activities for both residents of the building and the greater GLBT older adult community. Our vision not only promotes community within the living facility but outside its borders and into the greater Los Angeles area as a whole.