The Network on Multicultural Aging Award rewards organizations that have demonstrated high-quality, innovative programs enhancing the lives of a multicultural aging population. The applicants must be ASA members; their program should have a successful track record, and have been in existence for one year. Applicants will be judged on the program’s potential for replication, whether or not the organization is involved in partnerships or coalitions with other groups and the involvement of consumers and volunteers in program design.

The winner will have the opportunity to present a session at the AiA conference, receive complimentary registration and recognition in the conference’s program book.

2012 Award for Excellence in Multicultural Aging Winner: 

Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing’s Comprehensive Housing Care Project

The mission of Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH) is to improve the life experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors by developing affordable housing, providing comprehensive care and ensuring, through advocacy and education, a brighter future for the LGBT elder community.

GLEH’s vision is to be the leader in affordable housing developments for low-income seniors with a focus on providing services to special needs populations including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults. GLEH intends to serve as a model for national organizations to implement best
practices and provide an integrated support services model. We will address the bio-psycho-social and housing needs of emerging elder LGBT populations through continuous improvement to housing developments, driven by integrity and innovation of service delivery.

The Comprehensive Housing Care Project is the lynchpin of GLEH’s comprehensive integrative and supportive housing system. It is an innovative service delivery model that addresses and eliminates systemic barriers to healthy aging and independent living confronted by LGBT seniors, including affordable housing, limited income and poverty, access to health and supportive services, and LGBT and HIV/AIDS discrimination issues.