Against the backdrop of its annual holiday party Dec. 10, the Center on Halsted launched its new homesharing program, which aims to help LGBT seniors and provide affordable housing to renters.
Modesto "Tico" Valle, the center's CEO, thanked everyone in attendance and remarked that more than 1,000 people have come through the doors every day since the Center opened about four years ago. Valle celebrated the victories of the LGBT community, both nationally and statewide, making note of the recent Civil Unions bill that was passed in Springfield. He then went on to outline the work the Center is doing to help prevent bullying and improve the lives of the transgender community and LGBT immigrants, as well as many other initiatives.
Then Victoria Raymont, the center's board chair and development committee chair, took to the microphone where she sang the praises of Valle's work and noted they will be bringing on more board members as the New Year begins. Raymont shared the work the board has done regarding publicity, outreach, cultivation of new leaders and as strategic partners with Valle in continuing the center's work. Raymont tearfully told the story of David Mayer, who lost his partner after many, many years and then came to the SAGE Program for help. Mayer then came forward and he said "the best thing since losing my partner was finding a home here," which got a warm response from the crowd.
Hope Bennett, senior director of public programs, introduced Britta Larson, who is the homesharing manager. Larson took to the microphone and praised the center for starting this program despite the bad economy. She outlined the challenges of aging in the LGBT community, including isolation, loneliness and the lack of extended family members and in many cases children who can help them. She said that in 65 percent of cases, LGBT seniors live alone, which makes it hard for them to stay in their own homes. As LGBT adults age they face financial hardships (since they do not receive their partners' social security or pension benefits after they die) so they are more likely to enter nursing homes and assisted living facilities at an earlier age. There, Larson added, they face discrimination and, in some cases, have to go back into the closet.
Then Larson went into the logistic of the program and said "it will look different in each case" between the provider and renter. She noted the benefits will include financial savings, companionship, safety and security. The requirements for entering the program are: the provider will have to have a minimum of two bedrooms in his or her home, apartment or condo and the renter will have to have an income of at least $750 per month and be willing to live with an older LGBT adult and provide assistance with household chores and tasks. She then called on all attendees to spread the word about the program so more people can take advantage of this service.
When Windy City Times spoke with Larson about who would be liable if something bad happens with the matches she said "the renter and provider will be signing an agreement stating exactly what the expectations of both parties will be as well as the protocols and procedures that will occur if the match dissolves." Larson went on to say that the center acts as a matching resource between the provider and renter. The center will be absorbing the costs of the background checks on all parties involved and then it will share the background checks with both of the matches so there are no secrets. Then the control rests on the provider and renter to determine if they want to live together.
The center's entire staff was on hand, along with many board members and other luminaries, including Ric Martel who is the housing manager for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago as well as representatives from the Sunrise Living Center. Paula Basta, the regional director of the Northeast (Levy) Regional Senior Center, a city-run facility, also attended and spoke earlier in the evening in support of the program. Rep. Greg Harris was on hand in the earlier part of the evening as well as Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel, who stayed until the end of the presentation.
For more information please contact Britta Larson at the Center on Halsted.