SAGE, an organization for LGBT seniors, is currently conducting a survey of LGBT adults in the Atlanta area to find out what their needs and wants are for housing.
To take the survey, click here.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete and questions include if people want to live in a inclusive facility, one that includes LGBT and heterosexual residents; if one prefers to live in their own home but have services provided; how much people are willing to pay; as well as age and health needs.
The Phillip Rush Center begins expansion plans Monday into an approximate 1,700 square foot space in a building located directly behind its current location in Candler Park thanks to more than $31,000 raised at a reception on Saturday.
Linda Ellis, executive director of the Health Initiative, is co-director of the Rush Center with Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality. She explained Saturday that the expansion was needed because the Rush Center has outgrown its space at 1530 DeKalb Ave. as more and more LGBT organizations, such as the Rainbow Center, which serves and advocates for LGBT Jewish people and families, seek permanent office space. The expansion is also to meet the needs of a statewide survey of LGBT residents.
SAGE Atlanta is hosting a community forum on Sunday, May 22, at the Phillip Rush Center for a webcast with other activists to discuss ways to meet the needs of elderly LGBT people. The forum begins at 2:30 p.m.
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), a national organization with 20 affiliates across the nation including the newly formed Atlanta affiliate, will be broadcasting a live meeting online from the New York LGBT Center to screens at the Phillip Rush Center.
Participants in Atlanta will have a chance to watch the meeting along with other affiliates and take part in a national conversation to learn about what SAGE is working for in its mission to finding ways to meet the needs of aging gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
As Atlanta’s LGBT population continues to grow, resources are needed to fulfill their needs.
That’s why a group of local activists has been working for several years to identify these needs. The national Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE) recently formed an affiliate in the city.
“About eight years ago, the Atlanta Regional Commission began a strategic plan for the city that included GLBT elders,” said Doug Carl, 49, who retired last year from his job as deputy director of the Fulton County Human Services Department.
Carl participated in the ARC strategy sessions and led the charge for Atlanta to become a SAGE affiliate.
Needs survey is first step to Atlanta LGBT center