During a Hurricane, Asheville Seniors Formed a Pod That May Help Them Age in Place
A Support Network Born from Shared Experiences
During a hurricane Asheville seniors formed – On a quiet Sunday afternoon in Asheville, North Carolina, Nancy Miller-Green, a 83-year-old resident, makes her way through the neighborhood, visiting neighbors to remind them of the weekly dinner at her home. The meal, a shrimp and corn chowder, is paired with red wine and light conversation. As she approaches Maria Pugliese’s door, it opens slightly, revealing the 51-year-old. Miller-Green’s question—“Are you coming tonight, Maria?”—is met with a lighthearted promise to try her best. The group, a tight-knit community of eight, including Pugliese, gathers in the fading afternoon light, sharing cheese cubes and fish dip while a black cat named Aura patrols their perimeters.
Intergenerational Care in a Post-Hurricane Setting
The weekly gatherings began in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the Asheville region in September 2024. The storm disrupted lives, leaving many seniors isolated. These dinners, once a simple act of connection, evolved into a deeper exploration of aging. Among the attendees are former social workers and therapists, individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting others. The group, which neighbors affectionately refer to as a “pod,” spans a range of ages, with the oldest member in her 90s. Half of them identify as lesbians, and most have no children. Their camaraderie is evident, yet the discussions often turn toward the realities of growing older.
Retirement Communities and the Loss of Community
Married couple Va Boyle, 91, and Jean Cassidy, 79, share their perspective on the challenges of aging. They lament the absence of friends who have recently passed away or relocated to retirement communities offering more structured care. Cassidy describes aging as “learning to lose,” a phrase that resonates with the group’s shared experiences. Despite their independence, they have enlisted a “sharegiver” to assist with tasks like sewing buttons, mowing lawns, and running errands. This arrangement allows them to maintain autonomy while receiving support, but the concept of intergenerational living has sparked new ideas.
A New Model for Aging and Caregiving
Miller-Green, whose brother David Nimmons is helping design the model, proposes an innovative solution: intergenerational living. The idea, spearheaded by the Stonewall Community Development Corp., is tailored for LGBTQ individuals but can be adapted broadly. It envisions housing where seniors and younger caregivers cohabit, with compensation tied to the level of care provided. The model aims to bridge generations by creating a sustainable system where older adults can stay in their homes while fostering relationships with younger generations.
Creating Cultural and Financial Bridges
The Stonewall Bridge program is designed to address two critical needs: aging in place and continuity of care. Seniors would donate their homes to a nonprofit, receiving an annual income in return. The property would remain affordable, housing both seniors and caregivers even after the original owners pass. This arrangement ensures that the cultural legacy of LGBTQ elders is preserved and passed down. “If we are not talking about our history and our values to the younger generations coming up, that will get lost,” Nimmons emphasized. He believes that intentional care networks, like those formed during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, are vital for sustaining community ties.
Expanding Beyond Asheville
While the initiative originated in Asheville, its potential reaches far beyond. Stonewall CDC is collaborating with Treece Financial and the Our Fund Foundation to adapt the model for South Florida, a region known for its retirement communities and LGBTQ population. The partnership focuses on creating legal frameworks to transfer home value to sharegivers, ensuring both financial and emotional benefits. “Our job is to create the model, then people can put it wherever they want,” Nimmons said. This flexibility allows groups of friends to build their own living arrangements, fostering a sense of collective purpose.
The Human Element of Aging Together
The pod’s dynamic highlights the human side of aging. Laughter and teasing about wine preferences and humor underscore their bond, yet the conversations often shift to deeper reflections on life’s transitions. “Aging is about becoming more intentional with what you have,” one member noted. This mindset aligns with the Stonewall Bridge model, which emphasizes mutual support and shared resources. By integrating younger caregivers into their living spaces, seniors not only gain assistance but also create opportunities for cultural exchange.
Legacy and Innovation in Caregiving
Paul Nagle, executive director of Stonewall CDC, underscores the importance of these networks. “This community has a history of building care systems that survive even in tough times,” he remarked, referencing the resilience of queer communities during the AIDS crisis. The organization’s vision extends beyond Asheville, aiming to replicate this model in cities like New York and South Florida. The collaboration with Treece Financial ensures that the program can be tailored to different regions, balancing affordability with care needs.
A Future Where Aging Is a Shared Journey
For seniors like Miller-Green, the Stonewall Bridge represents more than just a living arrangement—it’s a lifeline. By uniting older adults with younger caregivers, the model fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. It also provides young people with a chance to grow their financial assets while gaining meaningful experience in caregiving. As the pod continues its weekly dinners, they remain a testament to the power of community. “We’re not just surviving,” Cassidy said. “We’re learning how to thrive together.”
The initiative has already begun to take root in Asheville, where the pod’s members have seen the benefits of shared living. Their stories, once scattered, now form a collective narrative. By choosing to live alongside younger generations, they ensure that their wisdom and experiences are not forgotten. This model could redefine aging in place, transforming it from a solitary endeavor into a collaborative one. As the first wave of the Stonewall Bridge program unfolds, it promises to create a lasting impact, one home and one shared meal at a time.
Building a Legacy for the Next Generation
The Stonewall Bridge’s success hinges on its ability to preserve both cultural identity and practical support. For LGBTQ seniors, who have historically faced challenges in accessing care, this model offers a safe and inclusive environment. It also empowers young caregivers, who may one day become seniors themselves, to engage with aging communities. “This isn’t just about practical help,” Nagle explained. “It’s about building a bridge between generations that honors the past while preparing for the future.”
As the program expands, it aims to address broader societal needs. In an era where aging populations are growing, the Stonewall Bridge provides a scalable solution. It encourages seniors to think creatively about their later years, embracing models that blend independence with interdependence. The pod’s experience in Asheville serves as a blueprint, proving that community-driven care can be both effective and fulfilling. With the help of organizations like Stonewall CDC, the dream of aging in place is evolving into a shared journey—one that celebrates resilience, connection, and the enduring power of human relationships.
