The AIANY Design for Aging Committee May meeting was delighted to have Barbara Baer, Director of the NYFSC Home Sharing and Respite Care Program, to present their Home Sharing Program, followed by a stimulating discussion. As one of the first programs of its kind, the Home Sharing Program has significantly supported the seniors in aging in place while offering an affordable housing solution for New Yorkers. To date, the program has successfully matched 50 hosts and guests this year. Learn more about this impactful initiative here.

On June 5, Committee members enjoyed a guided tour of Stonewall House in Brooklyn, led by the site director Odi Chigewe. Located in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, Stonewall House is the largest LGBTQ+ friendly elder housing development in the country and New York City’s first LGBTQ+ Friendly Elder Housing. In addition to exploring the public spaces within the Sage Center, the group had the opportunity to visit two residential units and speak with residents. The thoughtfully designed spaces promote ease of maintenance and contribute to residents’ happiness, while well-curated programs help cultivate a vibrant, supportive community. Dylan Goodman from SAGE and architect Ted Porter of Ted Porter Architecture joined the tour, offering insights into the design intent and the operational strategies that sustain the building’s success, and the ongoing challenge of securing sustainable funding for programs. As Kate Henenberg remarked, “It was an inspiring day!”