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Lyon to launch France’s first House of Diversity for vulnerable seniors
Lyon has launched the first House of Diversity project in France focused on providing housing for seniors who are members of sexual minorities, have no family support, are HIV-positive or supportive heterosexuals.
Mayor of Lyon Grégory Doucet, city officials and representatives of NGOs finalised the agreement to launch the project earlier in June and noted that France’s first House of Diversity should open by the end of 2024.
Lyon reminded that the city council supported the project unanimously in September last year, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable and isolated elderly people.
City authorities pointed out that the project is focused on mutual aid and solidarity, noting that residents will commit to living as part of a collective.
The new building will provide a supportive environment where residents will not have to fear discrimination, stigmatisation or judgment.
Lyon reminded that France is planning to build 10 such houses in the next 10 years as part of its efforts to become more inclusive and diverse.
The building in Lyon will have 16 housing units, 120 square metres of shared living space and a garden of more than 200 square metres, with city authorities stressing that it will be accessible to people with reduced mobility.
According to plans, 7 housing units will be offered under social housing programmes. City authorities pointed out that the building will be constructed in line with environmental protection standards.
