Opening an ALF for LGBTQ adults 55 and better!

Is it gay in here or is it just me??

It’s all of us. We’re everywhere and our LGBTQ+ population continues to grow every day! This seems great, yet we still face daily challenges with acceptance, decency, and equality. Those issues become an even greater problem for LGBTQ+ older adults that need a little assistance to maintain their functioning, health, and independence. Have no fear, the queer answer is here!

The Rainbow Oasis is Florida’s FIRST Assisted Living Facility for LGBTQ+ adults and allies that are 55 and better! It is owned and will be operated by all LGBTQIA members of the community, creating a safe space for people to age with assistance, acceptance, and love.

Why is this needed? Can’t LGBTQ+ older adults just go to regular assisted living facilities like everyone else? Well sure, they can…but will they feel safe? Can they openly be themselves and live their truth? Likely not. The LGBTQ+ community has unique needs and vulnerabilities that most facilities are not trained to recognize or manage. Our community is at a higher risk for mental health problems, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, isolation, and suicide. These problems are exacerbated by having to live in the closet or pretend to be someone you're not. During your golden years, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of these things! You should be relaxing and enjoying your day with people you care about. Can you believe in 2023 there are only 2 ALFs in the country for LGBTQ+ older adults? That has to change and the time is NOW!

Here’s where you come in: I need help raising money to make my dream become a reality. I’m in the process of getting approved for a business loan, but I need to raise 15-20% as a down payment. The amount of the loan is TBD as it will be dependent on the prices of the building, renovations, and startup costs. My goal is $10,000. I found the perfect location in St. Petersburg that meets all of the state licensure requirements and is absolutely gorgeous! When I think of an oasis, this house embodies that feeling and is perfect for this project! It is what I have my heart set on and what I’m going to try my best to make happen. The loan will cover all the startup costs for renovations to make the house ADA-compliant, furnishings, medical and security equipment, home maintenance, insurance, utilities, and professional services, to name a few things. If you’re able to contribute any amount to the cause, you will help bring me closer to my goal and ensure that LGBTQ+ older adults have a safe space to live. If you’re interested in being an investor, please reach out and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. Much appreciation goes out to everyone contributing to this project, whether it be financially, helping with various tasks, or spreading the word. I couldn’t have gotten this far without ALL OF YOU!

For more information, to join the resident waiting list, or to work here, please visit www.TheRainbowOasis.com.

If you’re interested in learning about my background and the logistics of the business, keep reading. Otherwise, click that donate button and add a bunch of zeros!

I am a social worker by day and have been in the field for 10 years. I obtained a BSW from Eastern Michigan University and will be walking across the stage to receive my Master's Degree in Gerontology on 5/7/2023 from the University of South Florida. I have been working with elderly and disabled adults for the past 4 years, visiting them in their homes, ALFs, and nursing homes. My job has been to assist clients with maintaining or regaining the highest level of independence possible by providing them with services. Some clients have reported that my visits are more valuable to them than the services offered because I take the time to talk to them and really listen to their thoughts and concerns. I have learned that aging is hard and isolation is a silent killer! I identified the need for The Rainbow Oasis from talking with my clients. I’ve had a handful come out to me in extremely subtle ways because they were afraid of being discovered by staff and other residents. None of them would actually say the words out loud, instead insinuating them or using facial expressions/hand gestures. It occurred to me that the LGBTQ+ population has nowhere to go that they can call their own, feel safe, or be able to live their full truth. This is my inspiration!

Since January 2023 I have been busy handling the logistics of the business. I created the name, designed the logo, and applied for a trademark. I purchased the logo, website, and business phone number (833) OASIS-FL. I have registered the business with the state of Florida and have obtained a Federal Tax ID number. I have interviewed 6 ALFs or other LGBTQ+ housing programs, both locally and nationally, to understand the ins and outs of the business. I have completed 9 trainings about developing spaces for the LGBTQ+ community that are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and affirming. I have also attended 5 workshops through the SCORE program about how to start and run a successful business in 2023 and how to write an amazing business plan. (Btw, for a first-timer, my lender said my business plan is the best she’s seen, woohoo!) I am working with a realtor to find a property and a commercial lender for the loan, both of which are part of the LGBTQ+ community. There is still much to do but obtaining a location is the foundation of moving everything forward. If you have any other questions, please email me at [email redacted] as I am happy to answer them!

You guys, I am sooo excited about this project! I have so many ideas on how to make this so much more than a place where people just live. I want it to be somewhat of an LGBTQ+ community center. I want to host AA/NA meetings and support groups that are open to the community, have high-schoolers volunteer for community service hours, have a diversity club to celebrate and create community, and provide a location for undergraduates to complete an internship for social work or geriatrics. I’m hopeful that LGBTQ+ special events can be held on the property and possibly create a space that can be used as a wedding/celebration venue. This will not be the typical ALF that locks the door and throws away the key. I want the residents to be involved in the St. Pete community as well as the greater LGBTQ+ community! Did I mention that St. Pete is known as the “Sunshine City”? It holds the world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine: 768! Plus, St. Pete has the largest PRIDE event in the state, attracting over 300,000 people over the course of 2 days. St. Pete is the perfect location for this ALF as the city is a vibrant mix of tropical weather, arts and culture, shopping, dining, sports, and recreation with an award-winning beach. It’s situated between Tampa and Clearwater, meaning there is ALWAYS something to do!