Kevin Donegan grew up in rural Montana and entered the Peace Corps after finishing graduate school in 1987, where he caught the "travel bug."   

Kevin served in Belize from 1987 to 1989 and then returned to the US and relocated to Portland, Oregon.   He initially worked as a family counselor for a non-profit with runaway and homeless adolescents for a little over a year.   In 1990, he took a position at Reed College where he started as the assistant director of residence life, and moved up to the position of director of residence life. Then his last two years at Reed were spent as the director of community safety.   Kevin left Reed College in 2000 and returned to the non-profit he worked at right after leaving the Peace Corps to take over as the director of runaway and homeless youth programs where he oversaw homeless shelters, transitional living, and street outreach programs, a program for sex-trafficked girls along with a wide array of other social service programs for adolescents at-risk.  

Kevin served on multiple national advisory boards for the federal government specific to services for homeless adolescents.    In 2015, Kevin retired at 55 and started splitting his time between his homes in Portland, Oregon, and Merida, Mexico.  
Merida, Mexico

Introduction:
Merida, Mexico is a vibrant and colorful city located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. In this episode, we’ll explore the reasons why Merida is the perfect destination for gay retirees and the lifestyle they can expect.

Location:
Merida is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, close to popular tourist destinations such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is the capital city of the state of Yucatan and is easily accessible by plane, with regular flights from major cities in the US and Mexico.

Climate:
Merida has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The rainy season runs from June to October, but the rest of the year is sunny and dry.

Lifestyle:
Merida is a friendly and welcoming city, with a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The city is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.

Cost of Living:
Merida is an affordable destination, with a lower cost of living compared to many cities in the US and Europe. Housing, food, and other necessities are much less expensive than in North America, making it a budget-friendly option for retirees.

Healthcare:
Merida is home to many quality healthcare facilities, including both public and private hospitals. The cost of healthcare is also much lower in Mexico compared to other countries, making it a great option for retirees who are looking for affordable health services.

Conclusion:
Merida, Mexico is a vibrant and colorful city that is perfect for LGBTQ+ retirees looking for a warm and welcoming community in a budget-friendly destination. With a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts scene, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community, 

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