health
Mary's House founder, CEO retires
By Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
The board of directors for Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC’s first official home dedicated to providing affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, announced on July 7 that its founding president and CEO, Dr. Imani Woody, has retired. Woody, who holds a PhD in Human Services, is credited with playing a
Key takeaway The house, which opened in March 2025, with a grand opening ceremony held in May 2025, includes 15 single-occupancy residential units and more than 5,000 square feet of shared communal living space.
Why this matters
Dr. Imani Woody's retirement as founder and CEO of Mary's House for Older Adults marks a significant transition for the organization, which has established itself as a vital resource for LGBTQ seniors in Washington, DC. The success of Mary's House in providing affordable and affirming housing for this population is a model that could be replicated in other cities, where LGBTQ elders often face unique challenges in accessing safe and supportive living environments. As the organization moves forward under new leadership, it will be important to watch how it continues to navigate the complexities of funding and support, particularly given the variability of legal protections and policies for LGBTQ individuals across different states. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other national organizations may play a key role in supporting the work of Mary's House and similar initiatives, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and resource development to address the housing insecurity and isolation faced by many LGBTQ elders.
About this story
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Category: health ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The board of directors for Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC’s first official home dedicated to providing affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, announced on July 7 that its founding president and CEO, Dr. Imani Woody, has retired. Woody, who holds a PhD in Human Services, is credited with playing a
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more health coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .