Public Presentation Addresses Senior LGBT Housing Crisis

Durham, NC— Village Hearth Cohousing invites anyone interested in solving the senior LGBT housing crisis to a free public presentation on Friday, August 25th at 4:00 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library in Durham, NC. The presentation will feature architect and cohousing expert, Charles Durrett (McCamant & Durrett Architects) who, along with Kathryn McCamant (CoHousing Solutions) brought cohousing to the U.S. in the 1980s. To date, McCamant & Durrett Architects (MDA) has designed over 50 cohousing communities and over a dozen senior cohousing communities, including Village Hearth Cohousing.

Cohousing neighborhoods are supportive and age-friendly communities that are member-owned and co-created. Residents thrive in a community of private homes with common amenities. Living in cohousing is more practical, more convenient and more economical than assisted living and living alone. Adults living in senior cohousing benefit from more social activities, leading to better overall health and vibrancy for years to come.

When built, Village Hearth Cohousing will be the first LGBT-focused senior cohousing community in the U.S., following a model that is gaining momentum across the country as a solution to the senior housing crisis. The group has a site and their project has received unanimous (7-0) support from the Durham City Council. They are accepting participants to join them in creating a community where members can age-in-place knowing and trusting their neighbors.

“The members of [Village Hearth] are taking an active role in their aging… When finished, this project will stand as a model for seniors around the country—around the world—who feel insecure about their housing options,” says Durrett.

The presentation will kick-off a weekend of design workshops where Village Hearth members will focus on materials, appliances, and after-market features. Those interested must request an appointment prior to attending the workshops. To learn more about his exciting first for the LGBT community, Village Hearth Cohousing, contact Pat McAulay or Margaret Roesch at (561) 714-8009 or email villagehearthcohousing@gmail.com.