Fifteen years after the opening of Hollywood’s Triangle Square Apartments, the nation’s largest LGBTQ-affirming affordable housing complex for seniors, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has spearheaded a historic partnership with April Housing to transfer the building’s ownership to the Center. The transfer, which ensures that the building will be preserved as affordable housing for current and future residents, was commemorated with a reverse ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 26.
“Today serves as an important reminder that the best way to combat homelessness is by providing the housing, services, and care that so many need,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Together, the Los Angeles LGBT Center and April Housing have transformed a building into a community, and I look forward to a long and meaningful relationship, with more projects like this to come.”
The 104-unit building opened in 2007, becoming the first affordable housing complex in the nation to specifically address the needs of LGBTQ+ elderly adults, who often struggle to afford housing and are less likely to have children or grandchildren to support them. In addition to housing, Triangle Square residents have access to the full range of services and support provided by the Center, including case management; home-delivered meals; in-home care and benefits assistance; connection to health and mental health care; HIV support and wellness; counseling and support groups; and more than 75 monthly activities and events provided for free or at low-cost.
“Senior Services is one of the brightest jewels in the Center’s crown, and April Housing has made that jewel shine even brighter by agreeing to sell us this historic building that houses our elders,” said Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner. “This sale is going to greatly improve the Center’s ability to help our clients and to further prove to Los Angeles, the LGBTQ+ community, and the nation that we must stop leaving our elders behind.”
“April Housing is proud to transfer ownership of Triangle Square to the Los Angeles LGBT Center,” added Alice Carr, CEO of April Housing, ownership partner of Triangle Square Apartments. “This truly groundbreaking affordable community was created to be a safe, healthy and affordable environment friendly to LGBT seniors, where they can live, thrive and age with respect and dignity. April Housing is thrilled to support the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the important work they do.”