DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside community leaders, celebrated the grand opening of Mary's House for Older Adults yesterday. This building marks the city's first LGBTQ+ affirming senior housing community, offering a unique space tailored to the needs of older LGBTQ+ residents. Located in Fort Dupont, Mary's House features 15 affordable apartment-style units, complete with an array of amenities designed to ensure the residents' housing, health, and wellness are adequately catered to.
Each unit within Mary's House allows residents the opportunity to not just live, but to truly thrive within a supportive environment. Common areas are abundant, ranging from a rooftop terrace to an exercise room, all aimed to encourage social interactions and the cultivation of a connected community. According to a statement obtained by Mayor.dc.gov, this project is the result of over a decade's commitment by founder Dr. Imani Woody, who sought to create a space that reminds her of the inclusivity and care her late father deserved.
Funded in part by nearly $1 million from the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF), Mary's House stands as a testament to the strides taken in affordable housing under Mayor Bowser's tenure. The HPTF is recognized as one of the most effective tools in creating affordable living spaces in the district. During her campaign, Mayor Bowser highlighted a bold initiative to incorporate a $100 million investment into the HPTF for the fiscal year 2026.
Since the initiation of Mayor Bowser's housing efforts, more than 15,000 affordable homes have been supported, reflective of an investment surpassing $1.4 billion in the HPTF. The effect has been stark: the share of DC residents who now live in affordable housing has incrementally risen to approximately 14%, an increase that cannot be overlooked. These figures were highlighted in the announcement on Mayor.dc.gov, marking a pointed reminder of the district's evolving landscape in favor of residents from all walks of life.
