Congratulations to Friendly Houses's Director of Senior Services and Homeless Families, Mya Chamberlin, and to Friendly House's Gay & Grey Program!

On December 1, 2011, Lauren Fontanarosa, Gay & Grey Program Coordinator, sent out the following announcement:

"Mya Chamberlin has been invited to speak at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) LGBT Elder Housing Summit. This summit will take place on December 7th in Washington D.C. and will bring together advocates and service providers from across the country dedicated to establishing safe housing options for LGBT elders.

Demographic shifts across the country have highlighted issues and challenges for older Americans. This is especially true for the LGBT elder community. LGBT elders have a number of stresses that expose them to particular vulnerabilities. For example, LGBT elders are more likely than other elders to age without the benefits of a partner and/or children and other family supports, increasing their reliance on assisted living and long-term care. In addition, even more affluent LGBT elders can be at risk, as discrimination and other legal barriers can be a barrier to accessing housing and long-term care.

Having policies that address these issues is important. With this in mind, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Administration on Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights are convening a summit to address housing, health and long-term care issues for LGBT elders.

Friendly House’s Director of Services for Seniors and Homeless Families, Mya Chamberlin, has been asked to attend to present on behalf of Gay & Grey. Mya will share with other LGBT leaders across our nation the progress and success of our Housing Assessment Program and Diversity Trainings.

Information about the summit can be found at: http://www.huduser.org/lgbtsummit/

In addition, the summit will available via webcast. On the HUD site you will find information on how to view this. Click on this link and look under “Upcoming Events” to find the webcast: http://www.huduser.org/portal/about/pdr_briefings.html#pdrquart ."