Senior affordable housing

Welcoming To LGBTQ persons


Christ UMC is building senior affordable housing

We believe that lives transformed by Christ result in action that transforms our world. Christ UMC takes this commitment to heart in various missions. Now, in response to the housing crisis in the Portland area, and especially the 65.8% of older adults in Washington County who pay more than 30% of their income for housing, we are seeking to utilize our assets to do the most good by creating affordable housing for seniors.


THE PROJECT:

  • 53 apartments for seniors earning 60% AMI or less (14 2BD/2BA) (13 2BD/1BA) (26 1BD/1BA)
  • 26 units dedicated to very-low income seniors, earning 30% AMI or less
  • The first explicitly LGBTQ friendly affordable housing community for seniors in Portland, OR
  • 2,200 sq/ft community service space
  • Green materials and features, high energy efficiency
  • Designed to preserve trees and outdoor community space


intentionally lgbtq friendly

LGBT Older Adults are . . .

  • twice as likely to be single
  • 3-4 times less likely to have children
  • frequently estranged from families of origin
  • report to have experienced discrimination in housing (48%)
  • fear the need to "re-closet" in senior living communities (34%)*


Christ UMC will partner with Friendly House | SAGE to create services and a community that are safe for all older adults, especially those who have been historically discriminated based on sexuality, gender identity, and race. 


In order to overcome fears of discrimination, we believe it crucial to promote this development as a "welcoming" housing community from the day we break ground. 



*see

OUR partners

We could not do this alone, and we would not dare. We've joined hands with organizations and agencies to ensure the greatest good possible. Thank you for partnering with us. 


DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS: 

Home First Development

Home First Development is a mission focused affordable housing development agency, bringing over 20 years experience, having built over 500 units across Oregon and SW Washington. They currently have over 200 units under construction. 


SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATION: 

Friendly House | SAGE Metro Portland

Friendly House, a non-profit social service organization and community center, has been serving older adults in the Portland area since 1930. In 2000, Friendly House formed Sage Metro Portland to serve older LGBT community members through information & referral, case management, education, advocacy, outreach, and resource development. 


FUNDING PARTNERS:

  • CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Sponsor/Executive Director/Owner)
  • WASHINGTON COUNTY (Metro Bond Grant for Affordable Housing)
  • KEY BANK (Loan Financing) 


SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS: