Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Avesta hosts 'A Celebration of Home' for partners & supporters

“Maine and New Hampshire need Avesta, and we need all of you. Your support truly makes all the difference. … Our accomplishments are your accomplishments too.”


These words from Avesta Housing President and CEO Jennifer Hawkins exemplified our “A Celebration of Home” event at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland on Sept. 16.

President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins

Avesta board members, partners, and supporters joined staff to commemorate our accomplishments over the past year and look forward to accomplishing more in the months to come ­– a task that grows increasingly more urgent.

The event also featured the presentation of Avesta’s Mission Champion Award to Southern Maine Agency on Aging (see related story below) and provided an opportunity for many of our guests to meet Jennifer for the first time.

In her keynote speech, Jennifer spoke about the need for more affordable housing, how Avesta is responding to that need, and how her 20-plus-years of experience advocating for affordable housing and people experiencing homelessness have shaped her worldview – and will guide her as she takes the reins of Avesta’s leadership.

Click the video above to view scenes from the event. Click below to read Jennifer’s speech.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging receives Mission Champion Award

L-R: Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins; SMAA CEO Megan Walton, Avesta Housing Board Chair Dr. Renee Fay-LeBlanc

We are proud to announce that we have awarded our annual Mission Champion Award to Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) for its longtime commitment to provide support and services to older adults living in affordable homes in Maine.

Avesta’s Mission Champion Award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to the promotion and provision of affordable housing. SMAA has been the leading resource for services and information empowering older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers for more than 50 years, and its impact can be felt across the Avesta Housing property portfolio in Maine.

'This place means everything to me'

Jason is a single dad with a college education working two jobs and Door Dash-ing to make ends meet. But he still can’t afford a market-rate apartment in Portland, and he was losing hope that he would ever find a safe, affordable place for his family.

Then he found a home with Avesta Housing.

“In other places where I lived, it was always somebody else’s home, and somebody could just take it away from me at any moment,” he says. “Now I have this place, and it just means everything to me.”

Click on the video to hear Jason’s story.

More than 500 Avesta homes under construction in Maine

Hebert Construction workers guide a panel to the top of Seavey Crossing in Westbrook.

Avesta is building more than 500 affordable homes right now in communities across Maine, and more than 600 additional homes are in our development pipeline for Maine and New Hampshire.

Ranging in scope from renovations of single-story garden-style apartments for older adults to brand-new multi-story workforce housing for families, we are working hard to create safe, quality, affordable housing for all people in need, ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

Click below for details on developments that are currently under construction.

This circa 1873 historic house was renovated as part of the Choice Wedgewood affordable housing development in Lewiston. Avesta Housing is partnering with Lewiston Housing to build 186 homes as part of the federal Choice Neighborhoods program.

Aerial view of 89 Elm Street Apartments development in Portland

Join us for a celebration of 26 new homes for older adults

Twenty-six brand-new affordable homes for people ages 55 and older.

With a state-of-the-art energy-saving design.

And a huge backyard with beautiful views.

And not one, but two community rooms.

And…

Well, you’ll just have to see for yourself.

JOIN US at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, for the grand opening celebration of Meadowview II, Avesta’s newest affordable housing development for older adults, at 16 Hancock St., Gray, ME 04039. Featuring esteemed guest speakers, complimentary food and drink, an apartment tour, and much more, this is not an event to be missed. RSVP below today! (Please note: Meadowview II is currently 100% occupied, and we will not be processing applications for housing at this event.)

Avesta addresses affordable housing shortage in NH

Jennifer Hawkins guests on 'Good Morning NH with Jack Heath'

New Hampshire needs 60,000 new homes – in five years. Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins discusses the severity of the housing shortage in the Granite State and what we are doing about it on the “Good Morning NH with Jack Heath” radio show. Click below to listen.

Patrick Hess participates in Rep. Goodlander housing roundtable

Earlier this month, Avesta Housing Director of Real Estate Development Patrick Hess participated in a roundtable discussion organized by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) that focused on the importance of federal programs and funding in affordable housing development and management.

The discussion focused on providing the congresswoman with examples of federal bottlenecks and concerns, and to inform her ongoing advocacy efforts. Patrick shared Avesta’s recent experiences with federal housing programs, particularly challenges navigating Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements for federally-funded projects.

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (center, in pink) and Avesta Housing Real Estate Development Director Patrick Hess (far right) at the N.H. roundtable discussion.

"It was encouraging to see Congresswoman Goodlander’s curiosity and commitment to expanding housing options in New Hampshire and to advocating for improved federal policies,” Patrick said. “Her thoughtful questions and direct engagement with practitioners made it clear that she values practical insights from the field."

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE?

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