The conversation and dialogue about the needs of LGBT seniors in San Francisco got an added boost of energy last month with a series of news articles and a critical public hearing before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Thanks to your support, the work of Openhouse in providing housing, services and community programs for LGBT seniors was a featured topic in the discussion about how the community and the City of San Francisco can work together to meet the needs of this growing population.

On January 26, San Francisco Supervisors Scott Wiener, David Campos and Christina Olague invited Openhouse, the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and community members to participate in a public hearing on the needs of LGBT seniors in San Francisco. Many thanks to members of the LGBT Advisory Committee to the Human Rights Commission for their work to make the hearing so successful.

Click here to can see a video of the hearing.
Click here to read Openhouse testimony.

The hearing featured compelling and moving public comments from LGBT seniors, some of who were profiled in the B.A.R. on the day of the hearing. The B.A.R. followed up with two more stories about the hearing and the significant expansion of Openhouse services in the last year. Take a look at these articles:

LGBT seniors seek housing, greater visibility
City Hall backs LGBT senior initiatives
Openhouse expands LGBT senior services

And the conversation continues in February! Call Kira About Aging, a weekly show on KSRO and KKSF radio, will feature LGBT seniors for the entire month. Tune in to KSRO 1350 on Saturday February 11 at 2:00 PM to hear Kira’s interview with Openhouse. Click here for a complete schedule of guests and topics.

In 2011, thanks to your support, Openhouse served nearly 600 LGBT seniors—more than ever before! When participants were surveyed last year, 82% said they felt less isolated; 75% reported improvements in health and well being; and 82% reported being better able to remain independent.

In 2012, again thanks to your support, we have reinvigorated a critical community discussion about planning for the future.

Thank you so much for supporting Openhouse.

Sincerely,

Seth Kilbourn
Executive Director