Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Q&A with Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins

Jennifer Hawkins recently stepped into her role as Avesta Housing’s new President & CEO. As she gets to know the organization and the region, we took a moment to ask her a few questions about her early impressions, what fuels her commitment to this work, and why she chose to make Avesta her next professional home.

The early days in a new role are often both energizing and demanding. How have you spent your first couple of weeks, and what have you discovered so far?

These first couple of weeks have been filled with energy, discovery, and connection. I’ve had the privilege of meeting more than 100 Avesta staff members—at lunches, on property tours, and through virtual conversations. Their passion for the mission and the pride they take in their work is inspiring. I also visited several properties across Maine and New Hampshire, attended a summer celebration with residents in South Portland, and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our innovative new homeownership initiative, “A Path Forward.” [See related article below.] What is evident is what many already know: Avesta is a deeply mission-driven, forward-thinking organization with extraordinary people at every level.

You’ve worked in many areas of affordable housing over the years—including property management, resident services, real estate development, and executive leadership. What generates your passion for this work, and how will you carry that with you in your role at Avesta?

What drives me is the transformational power of housing—not just as a physical structure, but as a foundation for health, opportunity, and dignity. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing can change the trajectory of someone’s life. That’s what keeps me motivated. I’m excited to bring that perspective to Avesta, an organization with the scale, sophistication, and heart to meet the diverse housing needs of communities across Northern New England. My focus is on amplifying this impact—through strategic growth, community partnerships, and a continued commitment to inclusive, resident-centered development.

Joining a new organization is a big decision, especially when it involves relocating to another state. What was it about Avesta that made it the right place for this next chapter in your career?

Avesta stood out to me as a rare combination of mission, integrity, and capacity. It’s an organization that not only builds and manages high-quality housing, but does so with a deep understanding of community needs—from supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness, to assisted living for older adults, to homeownership opportunities for working families. After an extensive national search, I felt deeply aligned with Avesta’s values and vision. I was drawn to the opportunity to lead a highly respected organization at a pivotal time, and to work alongside a talented team and dedicated board to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the region.

‘A Path Forward’ homes now on sale – apply today!

On July 15, we celebrated the listing of the first properties available for purchase through our new “A Path Forward” program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Gray, Maine, marking the beginning of a new pathway to homeownership for middle-income wage earners who find their dream of purchasing a home increasingly out of reach.

“A Path Forward – Homeownership for ME” complements Avesta’s primary focus of developing and operating safe, quality, affordable rental homes. Avesta acquires and rehabilitates properties that are in disrepair, then sells them at below-market prices to qualifying households. Philanthropic funding from Bangor Savings Bank and Mascoma Bank helped make the program possible.

“‘A Path Forward’ is a program built out of both urgency and hope,” said Nicole DiGeronimo, director of Avesta’s Homeownership + Financial Counseling department. “Urgency, because Maine’s housing market continues to make it difficult for middle-income residents to find safe, stable homes within reach. Hope, because we believe that by preserving and rehabilitating existing housing, we can create real opportunities for homeownership where few exist.”

Begin your journey toward owning a new home today – click below for more information about properties for sale through “A Path Forward” and how to apply.

Franklin Savings donates $75K for Farmington development

The work we do is made possible by partnerships with companies that share our vision for safe, affordable homes for everyone. Franklin Savings Bank has donated $75,000 to help us build Edgewater Village, an affordable housing community for older adults in Farmington, Maine.

Scheduled to open in spring 2026, Edgewater Village is Avesta’s first property in Farmington and exemplifies our commitment to provide safe, quality, affordable homes where they are most needed.

Watch a video of executives from Franklin Savings Bank touring the Edgewater Village construction site and get a look at this new affordable housing opportunity for people ages 55 and older.

'A fitting tribute': Community garden named after late resident

When a community garden was proposed for Jordan Bay Place, an Avesta Housing affordable housing community for older adults in Raymond, Maine, Benny Beard was one of the first people to sign up. He organized volunteers, planned what should be planted and where, gathered soil and seaweed for fertilizer, and lovingly nurtured everything from corn and rhubarb to squash and asparagus. When one planter was full, he asked property management for another.

And another.

And another.

“By the end, he had close to 20 planters inside it,” said Debby Tarr, coordinator of Avesta partner Age Friendly Raymond and a friend of Benny. “His plans were gigantic.”

When Benny passed away at age 83 earlier this month, it seemed appropriate that the garden he loved so much should contain something to remember him. So his fellow residents hand-painted a sign and erected it at the garden entrance, dubbing it “Benny’s Blossoms.”

“Any resident who puts so much of themselves into creating something for the community is really something we like to see,” said Resident Services Coordinator Samuel Schwartz. “Benny was one of those people, so this is a fitting tribute.”

Benny Beard

Much of the garden still provides evidence of Benny’s handiwork. Come harvest time, it will be made available for all to share in the Jordan Bay Place community room – because that’s what Benny would have wanted. And for those who knew him, visiting the garden will be bittersweet.

“That’s Benny’s place,” Debby said. “Not to see him there this summer is going to be tough. He was a great guy.”

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE?

For more information about available homes with Avesta Housing, click below.