Home at Last: Inside the Raymond E. Shepherd House, Ferndale's LGBTQ+ Senior Haven

Peek inside the new apartments and hear from two of the first residents

Online 3 Shepherd House AP 19 — Linda Brincat, new Raymond E. Shepherd House resident, plays guitar in her apartment. Photo: Andrew Potter

Published: March 5, 2025 | Last Updated: March 5, 2025

For almost a decade, the Metropolitan Community Church - Detroit (MCC-Detroit) and various community partners have dreamed of creating an affordable housing complex where LGBTQ+ seniors could live without hiding who they are. That dream has finally become a reality with the opening of the Raymond E. Shepherd House in Ferndale.

The four-story apartment building at the corner of Nine Mile and Paxton Street welcomed its first residents in December, and already the 53-unit complex is nearing capacity.

"I'm overjoyed," said Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow, pastor of MCC-Detroit and one of the driving forces behind the project. "When you work on a project for as long as we have and see it come to fruition, it's just amazing, especially recognizing this project is literally going to change people's lives and save lives for those who are in desperate need of affirming housing."

A long journey to opening day

The road to creating the Shepherd House was a lengthy one. Though it’s been called an “eight-year project,” Rev. Stringfellow notes that its roots go back even further.

"It's really been 10 years because Full Circle Communities first contacted us two years before the official project launch," Stringfellow explained to Pride Source. "I sat in on that initial meeting, and when I heard about their work developing senior housing, I immediately asked to be put on their list."

Full Circle Communities, the developer behind the Shepherd House, has developed several LGBTQ-focused housing projects in the region, including the Dr. Maya Angelou Village in Detroit and the Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center. Recognizing that MCC-Detroit couldn't provide all necessary services alone, Stringfellow brought in partners like Affirmations, Corktown Health and MiGen to collaborate on the project.

Angela Gabridge, executive director of MiGen, Michigan's LGBTQ+ Elders Network told Pride Source the organizatio is thrilled to be partnering with Full Circle Communities, MCC-Detroit and other partners in providing permanent supportive housing and other wraparound services to the LGBTQ+ older adult residents of Shepherd House.

"This beautiful building on Nine Mile is part of an LGBTQ+ older adult corridor of care unique in our region, and in our state," Gabridge said. "Once Corktown Health completes their new facility in Hazel Park, LGBTQ+ aging adults are mere minutes from comprehensive LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ older adult services at Affirmations and MiGen, as well as to top notch, affirming health, behavioral health and dental care at Corktown Health. The impact this type of accessibility in services could have on Shepherd House residents is immeasurable."

Online Shepherd House AP 9 — A bedroom inside a unit at the Raymond E. Shepherd House. Photo: Andrew Potter

The bright, modern building honors Raymond E. Shepherd, a lifelong Ferndale resident who had a profound impact on the local LGBTQ+ community. Shepherd, who died in 2018, was an out gay man who served as a deacon at MCC-Detroit and volunteered regularly at Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center.

"Ray lived alone most of his life and longed for [a] community where he felt safe and welcomed," Stringfellow said in a news release about the project. "He found those places at our church and Affirmations." The naming of the building recognizes Shepherd's own expressed desire to see affordable housing options for LGBTQ+ seniors, where residents could live openly and authentically in their later years.

‘I needed a fresh start’

Charles "Chuck" Sadowski was one of the first eight residents to sign a lease at the Shepherd House.

"I started my process back in September," said Sadowski, who moved into his new one-bedroom apartment in December. The move represented a significant change for Sadowski, who had lived in his parents' house for 43 and a half years.

"I wanted a change from where I was living, and I sold the house and was able to pay off a lot of debts," he explained. "The area for me, being by myself, I felt I was unsafe, and this is safer for me. Plus, financially I was struggling, so it was time for a move."

For Sadowski, the Shepherd House offers practical advantages beyond safety. "I like that all my utilities and Wi-Fi are included," he said. "So, I sacrificed a little bit, but I've sacrificed a lot over the years. So, this is just another stepping stone."

He particularly appreciates the location, which provides easy access to Henry Ford Hospital, where he receives healthcare services. "Things are more easily accessible here," he noted, though he admitted he still drives to his favorite grocery store in his old neighborhood for "good quality meats."

Sadowski, who has been in recovery from drug abuse for over 17 years, found out about the housing through his membership at MCC-Detroit. "I prayed before they even broke ground. I started praying, saying, 'Get me in there, God. I need a fresh start,'" Sadowski said. "And at my age, I did."

The move has been beneficial for his mental health too. "Mentally I need it," he shared, revealing that in April of the previous year, he had been in a "dark space."

"I've been in recovery for over 17 years, but I'm more stable with my recovery from drug abuse than I am mentally," he explained. "So, I needed something to help me mentally feel better about myself. Having the smaller place that's manageable, being around other people, and feeling safe — it all helps. I'm not isolated anymore."

Linda Brincat was another early resident. "I first heard about Shepherd House a few years ago. The thought of an affordable senior living community for the LGBTQ+ community really appealed to me, even though I had my doubts whether or not it would come to pass," Brincat told Pride Source.

When she learned applications were being accepted, she submitted hers the first day and followed up regularly. "I had made up my mind, this was going to be home," she said.

The property's amenities helped convince her. "Everything is new, clean, modern and beautifully designed. The bonuses were that there is a 'bike room' on the first floor where I can store my bike — I ride a lot. The other bonus is the amazing community room with a kitchen."

Residents are already forming connections. Sadowski said he socializes with neighbors on his floor and recently adopted a cat named Molly, which has created a bond with another resident.

Online Charles Sadowski Shepherd House AP 21 — Charles Sadowski with Molly. Photo: Andrew Potter

"There's one guy that lives on the other end of the hall. I just got me a new cat, and he likes cats, so he's been spoiling her for me," Sadowski said. "Reverend Roland, he calls me the mayor of Raymond Shepherd House because when new residents move in, I try to talk to them. I tell them I'm part of MCC-Detroit and if you need anything for your apartment, write a wish list and give it to me." Sadowski has helped new residents obtain household items and sometimes offers a helping hand for those moving in.

The property hosted a Super Bowl party in February, bringing residents together in the community room. "Reverend Roland and MCC-Detroit hosted it and it was really fun," Sadowski recalled. "A lot of residents were there, and it gave us all a chance to just relax together, share some food and get to know each other better. That's when I started feeling like this place wasn't just somewhere I live — it's becoming home."

Building an affirming community

Connie Mathes, the property's leasing agent, has been busy helping to fill the remaining units and build a supportive community at the Shepherd House.

"They're super cute. And the building's amazing," Mathes said of the apartments. "What I love about it especially is that you're literally in the CVS parking lot, so how much better can that be?"

While the building was designed with LGBTQ+ seniors in mind, fair housing laws prevent it from being exclusively for that community. However, the environment is intentionally inclusive, and all residents must abide by guidelines prohibiting harassment or discrimination. Income guidelines also apply.

The project has been clear about ownership expectations that residents conduct themselves in an affirming environment, Mathes said, noting that prospective tenants have been receptive to this approach. "Everyone that's been involved in the community has been very like-minded and welcoming and open."

The location in Ferndale, known for being LGBTQ-friendly and walkable, has been particularly appealing to new residents. "We've got super active seniors," Mathes said. "Even in the winter, they've been able to stay active and they can walk up to Como's. It's like a block and a half." She noted that many residents come from less walkable communities in Southfield and Pontiac, making the pedestrian-friendly location an exciting change for them.

The Shepherd House addresses a critical need for affirming housing for LGBTQ+ seniors, some of whom might otherwise feel forced to hide their identity to secure housing.

Gabridge acknowledges that the need for safe, high-quality, affordable housing is universal, the need is even more profound for vulnerable communities like aging adults within the LGBTQ+ community — including the 400,000 aging LGBTQ+ adults living in MIchigan. According to an Equal Rights Center report, "48% of older same-sex couples applying for elder housing were subjected to discrimination. Discrimination puts LGBTQ+ elders at greater risk for chronic health problems, social isolation, poverty, and premature mortality."

Online Shepherd House AP 12 — A kitchen inside a unit in the Raymond E. Shepherd House apartment complex. Photo: Andrew Potter

"I've been passionate about providing affordable housing for older adults since I heard the story of a transgender individual who had to go back into the closet in order to get housing," Stringfellow said at the groundbreaking ceremony last August. "That individual ended up taking their own life."

The building's location in Ferndale, a city with a long history of LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy, makes it an ideal spot for the new community. The city has been home to Ferndale Pride since 2011 and hosts numerous LGBTQ-owned businesses and community spaces, including Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center.

Sadowski, who participated in last year's Motor City Pride parade with MCC-Detroit, is excited about the walkable nature of his new neighborhood. "I'm going to try to get myself walking more when the weather is better," he said. "Go for a little bit of walk, see how far I can go one way and then come back the other, and hopefully I can make it over to Woodward."

He's already familiar with several local spots he wants to visit. "There's a couple places I’d like to go to. Hambo Coney Island. And I like that Tropical Smoothie place," he said, adding that he's downloaded the Ferndale parking app for when he does drive.

The building's proximity to essential services is particularly valuable for seniors. Aside from the CVS Pharmacy directly adjacent to the property, residents can easily access restaurants, shops and healthcare services. Sadowski appreciates being able to travel easily to his appointments at Henry Ford Hospital.

"Ferndale is upbeat," Sadowski observed. "For me, it's better than downtown Detroit."

Inside the Shepherd House, residents can enjoy several inviting spaces, including the Charles Alexander Gallery community art space, in honor of the late BTL columnist and artist. The gallery will showcase Alexander's artwork and serve as a rotating space for queer artists to display their work.

"Before he passed, we told him about this, and he really wanted to make sure that it was a rotating space and would not just be solely him, but recognizing there are a lot of queer artists out there that are looking for space to display their art and their work," Stringfellow said.

A fitness center is also being installed, which Sadowski is looking forward to using. "Now that they're getting the fitness equipment in here, I'm going to try to get on the exercise bike and get some strength going," he said.

Additionally, there's a memorial garden named after Jo Ploeger, a former lead deacon at MCC-Detroit.

Looking ahead

As more residents move in, the Shepherd House is poised to become a vibrant community. Mathes envisions an interactive environment where residents, many of whom are retired, can find camaraderie and stay active.

For Sadowski, the move represents a chance to create a new family after losing his own.

"I outlived everybody in my family, and I get to create a new family," he said. "MCC-Detroit has done that for me because when I first started going there, I found people who accept me completely. This place feels like an extension of that acceptance — we look out for each other here."

The Raymond E. Shepherd House. Photo: Andrew Potter

Brincat shares Sadowski’s enthusiasm for the community's future. "I'm looking forward to meeting more residents as they start moving in," she said. "I'd also like to say the staff here has been wonderful and very helpful. Being a part of the LGBT community for so many years, living in Ferndale and in a senior community for the LGBT community has been the perfect fit."

Rev. Stringfellow and MCC-Detroit plan to establish a ministry extension at the complex called Shepherd Metropolitan Community Church, offering worship services and spiritual support specifically designed for residents.

"You don't have to age ashamed or have to go to a facility where you have to go back into the closet," Stringfellow said. "It's wonderful — incredible, really — and I'm so very honored to be a part of it all."

Learn more about the Raymond E. Shepherd house at fccommunities.org/rsh.