Mary’s House In D.C. Is First Of Its Kind To Care For Older LGBTQ+ Community
There is already a waitlist at the first ever D.C. communal living space for elder LGBTQ+ residents to age in a supportive, affirming environment. Read more at the link.
In May 2025, Washington, D.C. celebrated a significant milestone by opening Mary’s House for Older Adults—the city’s first affordable, LGBTQ+-affirming communal living space for seniors. The address offers more than just housing; it provides a sanctuary for 15 older LGBTQ+ individuals to age with dignity, safety, and a sense of family.
The visionary for Mary’s House is Dr. Imani Woody, a longtime LGBTQ+ advocate. After witnessing her father suffer in elder care, he was the motivation behind the house. Dr. Woody sought to specifically create a space where aging LGBTQ+ seniors wouldn’t have to hide their identities to get late-in-life care. Over 12 years, she handled all the details, secured the funding, including nearly $1 million from the Housing Production Trust Fund—and even demolished her childhood home to build a facility that could serve more residents.
Mary’s House is thoughtfully designed to foster community and support among its residents. Each of the 15 units is complemented by over 5,000 square feet of communal space, including a rooftop terrace and an exercise room, encouraging social interaction and a strong sense of community. This environment addresses the isolation often experienced by LGBTQ+ seniors, many of whom may have been estranged from their families or lost friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
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The opening ceremony was significant, attended by nearly 100 people, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and many other city officials. Mayor Bowser highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “You are providing housing, you are providing a solution for the epidemic of loneliness, you are providing a vehicle for Washingtonians to stay in Washington.”
Mary’s House offers safe and affordable housing, and the priceless reassurance that residents can live authentically in a family setting in their later years.
