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D.C. LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Complex Plagued by Harassment

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 23:22 GMT by NBC Washington

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 9, 2026 - Residents of The Fenwick, an affordable housing complex in Washington, D.C., specifically designed for LGBTQ+ seniors, are reporting a disturbing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and what they describe as the misuse of police resources. Multiple residents have come forward detailing a hostile living environment, alleging a consistent campaign of abuse from a fellow resident and a perceived lack of effective response from building management.

The complex, intended to provide a safe and welcoming space for a vulnerable population, now appears to be a source of fear for many of its inhabitants. Jean, a 76-year-old resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described her experience as "hell," stating she sought refuge at The Fenwick only to find herself subjected to repeated homophobic slurs and threats. "I came here looking for a safe place to live, and it's been anything but," she told NBC News Investigates.

Jean's account is not isolated. Other residents, including 68-year-old Michael (who also requested his last name be withheld), corroborate the claims of ongoing harassment and a pervasive sense of insecurity. Michael characterized the situation as "living in a war zone," constantly bracing for the next incident. The reported abuse isn't limited to verbal attacks; residents suggest the harassment is a calculated tactic designed to create a climate of fear and silence complaints.

Adding to the distress, residents claim that police are frequently called to the building for minor infractions, or even without legitimate cause. They believe these calls are deliberately orchestrated by the same individual responsible for the harassment, serving as another form of intimidation. The constant presence of law enforcement, even when unwarranted, is exacerbating the anxiety of residents and disrupting their peace of mind. The suggestion is that the aim is to discourage residents from reporting incidents or speaking out against the alleged perpetrator.

The situation prompted a hearing before the DC Council's Committee on Housing last month, chaired by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Nadeau condemned the reports, labeling the situation at The Fenwick as "unacceptable" and emphasizing the critical need to guarantee a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ seniors. She stressed the importance of holding building management accountable for fulfilling that obligation.

The Attorney General's office has initiated an investigation into the allegations, signaling the severity of the claims. While The Fenwick's management released a statement affirming their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination and their cooperation with the investigation, residents express skepticism. They argue that statements of support are insufficient without demonstrable action. "They need to do more than just say they care," Michael insisted. "They need to take action."

The lack of response from the DC Housing Authority, which provides funding for The Fenwick, is also raising concerns. NBC News Investigates' attempts to reach the authority for comment were unsuccessful. This silence adds to the feeling among residents that their concerns are not being taken seriously at a systemic level.

The situation at The Fenwick highlights a broader issue facing LGBTQ+ seniors, who often experience heightened vulnerability due to age-related challenges and historical discrimination. Affordable, safe housing is crucial for this population, and the alleged failures at The Fenwick raise questions about the adequacy of existing safeguards and the need for more robust oversight of senior living facilities. The investigation and the Council's scrutiny will be critical in determining whether The Fenwick can truly become the sanctuary it was intended to be, and whether similar issues are present in other LGBTQ+-focused senior housing developments.