PORTLAND, Ore. — An LGBTQ+, affordable senior living apartment complex had its grand opening on April 11 in Cedar Mill.
The Opal Apartments will provide 54 affordable homes and preference seniors who are 55 years old or older and within the LGBTQ+ community, though non-LGBTQ+ individuals are not excluded.
Half of the one- and two-bedroom apartments will be offered to seniors considered "extremely low-income," who earn 30% or less of the area median income (AMI). Rent for those units will cost between $599 a month for a one-bedroom and $762 for a two-bedroom apartment.
The other half of the units will be offered to those earning 60% or less of the AMI where rent will be around $1,199 a month. In the Cedar Mills area, the average rent is approximately $1,835 for a one-bedroom apartment.
"In an area of Washington County where many seniors are being priced out by high rents, The Opal will offer safe and affordable homes that support an inclusive space to build community for individuals 55 and older for years to come," said Metro Council President Lynn Peterson.
The project was developed by Home First Development Partners and Christ United Methodist Church. The nonprofit Friendly House will also provide resident services through its Elder Pride program aimed at older LGBTQ+ adults.
The $23.4 million Opal Apartments received $6.4 million through the Metro Affordable Housing Bond. It also received funds from Oregon Housing and Community Services, Business Oregon, Red Stone Equity Partners and Beneficial State Bank.
"Seniors, and those from the LGBTQ+ community, lack enough inclusive and affordable housing, and that is where innovative bond-funded homes like The Opal come into the picture," said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. "People are under pressure from ever-increasing rents, and so it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to help our fellow neighbors."
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