Friendly House, Inc.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, is the leading organization in Oregon dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT elders. SAGE Metro Portland is the local affiliate of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), based in New York, that advocates for LGBT older adults at a national level.

Your donation today will help SAGE Metro Portland continue its work on behalf of LGBT elders. We offer a variety of programming to address the complex needs of this community. 

*Housing:  SAGE Metro Portland recently published the nation’s first Guide to LGBT Friendly Senior Housing in Oregon. This guide is the result of the SAGE Housing Committee’s long standing commitment to advocating for welcoming housing options for LGBT elders. The committee has developed a tool that will clearly identify housing providers who are working to make their community LGBT friendly.

*Friendly Visitors:  We match younger LGBT and ally volunteers with elders to help elders stay in their home, reduce isolation, and promote intergenerational connections. Our volunteers perform a wide range of services that support elders to thrive in their homes and communities. From housekeeping and errands to support and companionship, Friendly Visitors are there to help. 

*Advocacy:  LGBT older adults are not only the pioneers of the gay rights movement, but continue to forge new paths for equal rights and fair treatment. SAGE Metro Portland community members are activists on a wide variety of issues including fair treatment in housing, marriage equality, increasing awareness of aging within the LGBT community, and Federal-level policy such as the Older Americans Act.

*Social and Educational Activities: Isolation can be a problem for many older adults, and even more so for LGBT elders. SAGE Metro Portland hosts many social activities where LGBT older adults can mingle and meet friends. From holiday parties to monthly socials there are many ways to socialize and have fun. In addition, we host learning activities that cover topics like spirituality, financial planning, technology, and arts and culture. 

*Culturally Competency Trainings: Over the past year the SAGE Speakers Bureau trained over 800 individuals. These trainings reached students, medical care providers, aging service providers, case managers, senior centers, senior housing communities and we went as far as Corvallis, Florence and Eugene. 

*Gay & Grey Expo:  SAGE Metro Portland presents the only EXPO in the Pacific Northwest for LGBT elders and allies. The day includes a resource fair, breakout sessions and speakers. The Gay & Grey Expo is a one-of-a-kind event and we are proud to be in our sixth year.

Whether you are a current or future elder, a friend, or a family member there is something for everyone at SAGE Metro Portland.  Your gift helps us continue to offer this wide range of programming.