Howard Brown Partnership Launches Elder Initiative

By Tim State in News on Mar 9, 2008 8:43PM

Howard Brown announced a partnership this week, forming the Chicago Elder Services Community Initiative, that is designed to create a model of care for local LGBT elders. On board is also Council for Jewish Elderly-Senior Life, Heartland Alliance, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter and Rush University Medical Center.

The goal is to build and sustain a suite of comprehensive programs that meet the needs of LGBT elders, striving to be a “one-stop-shop.” The Gay and Lesbian Task Force has called the project a “replicable model” that can be implemented in other markets across the country.

This groundbreaking partnership has received over $500,000 in foundation gifts to get the project rolling. According to Howard Brown,

there are an estimated 40,000 LGBT seniors in Chicago. Of these LGBT elders, one in five has an annual income below $20,000. The organization has found that LGBT seniors are more likely to face depression, substance abuse and more.

Hoard Brown is looking for volunteers to help launch the initiative. [WCT]

Alderman Helen Shiller, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Howard Brown CEO Michael Cook, and Amber Hollibaugh, Senior Strategist, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force at the announcement of the new Chicago Elder Services Community Initiative. Photo via Howard Brown.