Affordable Senior Housing Complex and Senior Center

Grant Information
Categories	Community
Location	Texas
Cycle Year	2016

Organization Information
Organization Name (provided by applicant)	The Montrose Center
Organization Name (provided by automatic EIN validation)
Secondary Addressee
EIN
Website	http://montrosecenter.org

Contact Information
Contact Name	Kennedy Loftin
Phone	713-529-0037 x380
E-mail	kloftin@montrosecenter.org
Address	401 Branard St Houston TX 77006

Additional Information
Used for	The Montrose Center is committed to the development of a culturally sensitive, affordable senior housing complex and senior center, for adults age 62+ with low incomes (60% of area median or less) offering culturally affirming services for both lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and Third Ward (predominantly African American) seniors. We are requesting a $5,000 grant from the Dougherty Foundation, to contribute to the total amount needed to trigger the options agreement to secure the land from the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and start construction.
Benefits	We will be able to provide cultural affirming, pleasant, affordable housing to 150 low income LGBT and low income seniors. In addition to affordable independent housing, our proposed complex will feature on-site geriatric primary care (in partnership with Legacy Community Health), mental health and support services through our existing SPRY program, congregate meals (in partnership with Neighborhood Centers Inc.), and a variety of activities to promote well-being and socialization.
Proposal Description	The Montrose Center is committed to the development of a culturally sensitive, affordable senior housing complex and senior center, for adults age 62+ with low incomes (60% of area median or less) offering culturally affirming services for both lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and Third Ward (predominantly African American) seniors. We are requesting a $5,000 grant from the Dougherty Foundation, to contribute to the total amount needed to trigger the options agreement to secure the land from the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and start construction. Housing is one of the greatest financial challenges, and correspondingly one of the greatest needs for older adults across the nation. This challenge is further amplified for LGBT and African American seniors, who face housing discrimination and lost income after decades of inequality and discrimination. Furthermore, due to Houston’s accelerating growth and increasing rents, many LGBT and Third Ward seniors are being forced out of their homes and further away from communities of support. The complex will feature 112 one- and two-bedroom, independent living apartments for low-income seniors ages 62 and older, with rents adjusted based on household income. Eligible seniors will pay no more than 30% of their income for rent. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funding will support approximately 9% of the apartments for seniors living with HIV/AIDS. The minimum number of residents is estimated at 150. The property will be located in central Houston’s Third Ward, at 2222 Cleburne, less than three miles from the Texas Medical Center and 1.3 miles from the Montrose Center on two existing Metro bus routes and a proposed light rail line. The proposed senior center will include a geriatric primary care clinic (through a partnership with Legacy Community Health, one of the largest Federally Qualify Health Centers in Texas), a series of gardens and green spaces for residents, and will consolidate the Center’s existing senior support services, group meals, social and recreational activities to benefit resident and non-resident seniors alike. All of the Montrose Center’s Senior Service Programs will be housed here, and LGBT Cultural Competency trainings will be held for other senior service providers in the Houston area. The vision is that our elders will be able to age in place with dignity and pride in a stable, safe and affirming community, with access to specialized services and support. This project will be the first of its kind in the state of Texas as well as throughout the South.