We want to acknowledge the concerns raised in recent coverage and, most importantly, affirm that every resident of Mary’s House Anacostia Road deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard.

​

Mary’s House for Older Adults was founded by Dr. Imani Woody after decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+SGL older adults who have historically been marginalized, isolated, or forced to hide who they are in traditional senior housing. The mission has always been clear: to create an LGBTQ+SGL‑affirming community rooted in dignity, belonging, and mutual respect.

​

As a newly opened affordable housing community (spring 2025), Mary’s House Anacostia Road is still in an active community‑building phase. Like many new developments serving seniors with diverse life experiences — including trauma, housing instability, mental and physical health challenges, and aging‑related needs — complex issues can emerge as residents settle in. These realities require thoughtful, ongoing engagement, not simplistic conclusions.

​

Mary’s House Anacostia Road operates with established systems of accountability and resident engagement. This includes a weekly Resident Council, regular participation by property management, access to professional social‑work support, and formal partnerships with the DC Metropolitan Police Department and Fire Department, both of which have adopted Mary’s House Anacostia Road and engage residents through safety trainings, community events, and ongoing presence.

​

Mary’s House Anacostia Road is LGBTQ‑affirming, not LGBTQ‑exclusive. As required by law, we rent to all qualified applicants and cannot limit residency based on sexual orientation or gender identity, nor can we require residents to disclose them. What we do require is respect for the mission of the community and shared responsibility for maintaining an affirming environment for LGBTQ+SGL elders.

​

While serious concerns must always be addressed transparently, isolated incidents — including those involving individuals who did not consistently participate in established community processes — do not define the totality of life at Mary’s House Anacostia Road. Many residents are thriving, forming friendships, and experiencing safety and affirmation that has too often been denied elders including LGBTQ+SGL elders elsewhere.

​

Leadership remains committed to listening, improving, and ensuring that Mary’s House Anacostia Road lives up to its founding vision. Community does not happen overnight; it is built intentionally, with care, accountability, and compassion.

​

We welcome constructive dialogue and remain focused on what matters most: ensuring that LGBTQ+SGL older adults have access to housing where they can age with dignity, authenticity, and support.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYTHS vs. FACTS SHEET
 

Mary’s House Anacostia Road DC — Myths vs. Facts
 

MYTH: Mary’s House Anacostia Road only rents to LGBTQ residents
FACT: Mary’s House Anacostia Road is LGBTQSGL‑affirming, not exclusive. Fair housing law requires us to rent to all qualified applicants. Disclosure of sexual orientation or gender identity cannot be required.

​

MYTH: Residents have no way to raise concerns

FACT: Mary’s House Anacostia Road has a biweekly Resident Council where issues are raised directly with leadership and property management present.

​

MYTH: Services promised on the website are not being delivered

FACT: Residents have access to social‑work support, safety trainings, wellness activities, and community programming through Mary’s House Anacostia Road and its Villages initiative, along with resident‑led events.

​

MYTH: Safety concerns are ignored

FACT: Mary’s House Anacostia Road has formal relationships with the DC Metropolitan Police Department and Fire Department, which provide trainings, community engagement, and ongoing support beyond emergency response.

​

MYTH: Current challenges show the model does not work

FACT: Mary’s House Anacostia Road opened in summer 2025 and is still in a start‑up and community‑building phase. Challenges emerging months after opening are being addressed through documented systems and processes.

​

MYTH: Non‑LGBTQ residents should not be there

FACT: The goal is not exclusion, but alignment with the mission. All residents are expected to respect the LGBTQ‑affirming values of the community.