Mary's House for Older Adults, Inc.

Mary’s House for Older Adults, Inc. is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the District of Columbia, in September 2012 to provide a nurturing environment, including a physical residence, for DC’s older LGBTQ+/SGL adults. The vision of MHFOA is to create affordable, independent, communal housing for older adults that will eliminate the intense social isolation experienced by subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination and intolerance based on one’s age, sexual orientation, and identity. MHFOA seeks to create living environments that celebrate and honor the whole person as they age, no matter who they are.

We aim to serve as a national model for similar initiatives. MHFOA addresses the historical injustices faced by Elder LGBTQ+/SGL individuals through three key initiatives:

1. Information and Referral Services: The "Villages at Mary’s House" program offers a friendly-caller service, connecting individuals with LGBTQ+/SGL-friendly wraparound services in the region.

2. Real Estate Development: MHFOA is building culturally competent social justice and communal housing for older LGBTQ+/SGL people. "401 Mary’s House" in Washington DC is the inaugural construction project, receiving Goldman Sachs' first-ever equity commitment for an LGBTQ+/SGL project. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 2023, with an expected completion date of July 2025.

3. Education and Advocacy: MHFOA hosts a virtual lunch and learn series featuring speakers on various topics, such as healthy living, LGBTQ+/SGL advocacy, cultural arts and entertainment, financial improvement, and social justice advocacy. The organization also facilitates in-person events that bring together intergenerational community members, organizational representatives, and elected leaders for dialogue and action planning. These efforts aim to foster systematic equity advocacy nationwide, connecting with members across states and locally in the DC region (known as the DMV for DC, Maryland, and Virginia).

We provide the following outreach services:

CONNECTIONS: Build ongoing connections and community between and among elders, volunteers, and members via:

• Friendly Caller Check-Ins
• Reach Out and Touch Greetings
• Drive-By Supply Drop-offs
• Transportation Assistance 

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL: Provides information and referral to connect elders with social agencies, mental health professionals, and other services that provide appropriate welcoming care to the LGBTQ+SGL community.

EDUCATION: Provide educational and celebratory programs for The Villages at Mary’s House community elders.

ONGOING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:   Continuous coordination and outreach to identify and understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+SGL Elders and the issues that matter to them.