Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

The Montrose Center Breaks Ground on Law Harrington Senior Center

« of 59 »

On Tuesday, August 6, the Montrose Center broke ground on its affordable senior independent living center at 2222 Cleburne Street. With a massive turnout of more than 175 people at the groundbreaking, the Montrose Center was overwhelmed with the amount of support from community members.

Housing is one of the greatest financial challenges, and correspondingly, one of the greatest needs for older adults across the nation, especially LGBTQ seniors. LGBTQ seniors are twice as likely to age in social isolation and four times less likely to have the money needed for retirement in comparison to their heterosexual peers. As in Montrose, many long-time senior residents of Third Ward are seeing their rents and property taxes increase beyond their means.

“This is a major day in the city of Houston,” said City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “It is our mission to create safe and affordable communities where all people can live and thrive. There is no better testament to community investment than to ensure the vibrancy of seniors in our community.”

The Law Harrington Senior Living Center will be open to all seniors who meet the income guidelines but will have specific services and programming for LGBTQ seniors and senior’s living with HIV. The facility will be an affordable, LGBTQ affirming senior living center that will feature 112 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments for low-income individuals and couples who are 62 years and older. The building itself is estimated to open in 2021.

“I took this [project] personally because we are in desperate need of affordable housing all across the city of Houston, for every community in Houston,” said former Mayor Annise Parker. “This is one great project and it is a step forward for our community but we need so much more. If you have opportunities to support other affordable housing projects across the city please do so. Quality housing is a human right and this project will serve not only this broader community but folks across Houston that have no other place to go. I want to thank everyone who was involved in making the Law Harrington Senior Living Center happen.” 

The Center is grateful to all the champions and partners who have supported the Law Harrington Senior Living Center and a special thanks to the organizations that sponsored the groundbreaking ceremony. David Alcorta Catering generously donated all the delicious refreshments and BBVA designed and printed the signage. Camden Construction, Inc. donated logistic items to help us set up the site and Lyft sponsored rides for staff, seniors and people with disabilities. Koncept Kit Media graciously donated their time and expertise to capture the event on film. 

GROUNDBREAKING SPEAKERS

• Ann Robison, PhD, Executive Director of the Montrose Center

• Tom McCasland Director of the City of Houston Housing and Community Dev. Dept.

• Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston

• Abe Goren, Midtown Redevelopment Authority Board Member

• Garnet F. Coleman, State Representative from the 147th District

• Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston and Pres. & CEO of the Victory Fund

• Dwight Boykins, Council Member from District D

• J Reymundo Ocañas, Executive VP, Dir. of Communications & ResponsibleBusiness at BBVA

• Gretchen Myers, Board Chair of the Montrose Center

Facebook Posts

Latest Posts