Fall & Winter 2007 ...Our FIRST Holiday Season at HOME!!!
November 20, 2007 
Dear Supporter:
By now, you are aware that Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH) has opened the first in the Nation low to moderate income affordable 103 unit apartment complex, Triangle SquareTM, with social and recreational services for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender elder community. This is truly a historic time for all of us.
For many members of our community, getting older can be a difficult process. Those who live in independent communities, receive home care, or live alone, increasingly report mistreatment from peers and caregivers, including simple disrespect, social exclusion, abuse, and violence. Many nursing homes and care facilities force gay and lesbian residents to live in isolation and are forced back into the closet. This is unacceptable for our LGBT elder community. Triangle SquareTM for our residents means freedom, security, rebirth, history, and an open environment to be who they are without stigma or fear; it also provides an affordable place to retire amongst their peers.
The time has arrived for all of us to take care of those whose shoulders we stand on today. If it were not for those who came before us, who stood up and fought for our equality, we would not enjoy the rights we have. Now is the time to thank our elders for their work by providing affordable housing that will ensure them the peace and happiness they deserve.
All of us will one day face these dilemmas and we cannot allow this injustice within our community to continue to be the norm. With your support, GLEH will be the advocate for our elders.
This holiday season our residents are at home in a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to age in place and be surrounded by a circle of like friends. Triangle SquareTM is just the beginning of a bright future for our elders and we look forward to providing social services focusing on the needs of our LGBT seniors.
When GLEH started this endeavor years ago, we had no idea the need would be so great. Literally, thousands of LGBT elders are counting on us, and we, in turn, need to count on you.
Numerous research studies have been conducted over the past several years. Their findings point out the realities that our seniors currently face:
· The majority of our elders seeking housing make less than $15,000 per year.
· Same-sex partners cannot share a room in most elder care facilities.
· LGBT older adults face homophonic attitudes among fellow residents, and some facilities exclude them entirely.
· Over 75% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender elders live alone.
· All of them encounter some type of race, class, age bias/ageism outside and within their own community.
Our mission is to provide high quality social and recreational services. Triangle SquareTM will offer an array of social and recreational services for our residents and the community.
· Case management, information, and referrals, including public benefits, legal services, and personal care.
· Support groups, HIV/AIDS counseling, mental health, and bereavement support groups.
· Food deliveries, nutritional classes, and recreational activities.
· Social gatherings, excursions, and financial empowerment.
As we look to the future, we will begin the planning process to build the next Triangle SquareTM as the demands for our LGBT elder community is growing. We must meet the needs of our community now and build for generations to come. With your help, we will be able to accomplish this very important mission. Together we can continue to make this a reality for all.
We need your help now! A donation to Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing today will help support this endeavor. With the holidays rapidly approaching, this is the ideal time to think about those that have made a difference for us and make a charitable contribution to maximize your tax benefits. Please help our friends, mentors, and leaders live their elder years in grace, comfort, and dignity.
Be generous; thank our seniors for their years of commitment and dedication. Help pave the road where we, as a community, take care of our own and make a difference. We thank you in advance for your consideration and generous contribution.
Sincerely,
Mark Supper
Executive Director
.
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