Residents move into LGBT senior living village in Palm Springs

A senior living village for the LGBT community is calling itself the first of its kind in the Southland. Stonewall Gardens in North Palm Springs welcomed its first four residents. Already settled in, residents said the facility is assisted living for seniors with a resort-style twist.

“I moved in last Sunday. It was like I discovered the pot of gold,” said resident Dick Busby.

“I needed a place to stay. People I was staying with, my husband, were just being overcome trying to take care of me 24 hours a day. It’s a wonderful place to be,” said resident Ted Harwick.

There are 24 units at Stonewall Gardens on North Palm Canyon. Formerly a motel, the new facility welcomes pets and features a barbeque, outdoor seating, a game room and gourmet meals, while providing around the clock care to meet the needs of residents.

“It’s beautiful, it’s just beautiful. It’s definitely not a motel anymore,” said Harwick.

“All residents have their own apartment, daily housekeeping, weekly laundry, activities and transportation for medical appointments and outings,” said executive director Dee Wieringa.

Stonewall Gardens plans to hire 20 employees. Management said many job applicants are also from the LGBT community.

“I’m very happy because gay people often times end up without a lot of family they’re in touch with, the older you get the more alone you are. It’s really nice to have a place that caters to the gay community so we have a place where you feel comfortable,” said resident Jim Crowley.

Potential residents can tour the community apartments. For more information, visit www.stonewallgardens.com