Everyone deserves a place to call home.

'New homes are a win for all'

Clover Terraces ushers in new era for workforce housing

On Nov. 12, we celebrated a new path to homeownership at a groundbreaking ceremony for Clover Terraces – 45 new attainable homes in Westbrook that are being built specifically to address the critical need for more workforce housing in Maine. Special guests Gov. Janet Mills and Westbrook Mayor David Morse joined Avesta staff, partners, and funders in ushering in what could serve as a model not just for the state, but for New England and the nation as a whole.

Clover Terraces is the first project of Domus, a joint venture between Avesta Housing; Jack Soley, a longtime developer of residential and commercial projects in the Portland area; and Hebert Construction, a fourth-generation, family-owned construction firm. The condominiums are part of a new residential housing campus that also includes Seavey Terraces, 65 apartments developed by Soley and Hebert Construction, and Seavey Crossing, an Avesta Housing development under construction that will create 61 affordable rental homes for people ages 55 and older.

“Every person in Maine at every stage of their life deserves to rent or buy a home that is right for them – the right size for their family at the right affordability,” said Gov. Mills. “Our state has been at the forefront of housing ingenuity in this country … (and) this campus is a perfect example – more than 160 units for rent and for sale to students, seniors and working families, both in the public and private sectors.”

Artist rendering of Clover Terraces

Scheduled to open in 2027, Clover Terraces will provide attainable homes not just for the initial buyers, but for those that follow. The sales prices have been set at a level that will be affordable to households with average incomes, and the design will naturally keep the cost of purchase and ongoing maintenance within reach.

“Clover Terraces will help folks today who are trying to find an affordable home to purchase – and many more individuals well into the future,” said Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins. “The businesses nearby will benefit from increased patrons, and the City of Westbrook benefits from new residents. New homes are a win for all.”

Click below to read more and to access purchase information for Clover Terraces.

Domus Principal Jack Soley

Domus Principal and Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins with Maine Gov. Janet Mills

Avesta allocated $1.3M for 46 new affordable homes in Biddeford

Artist rendering of The Rochambeau

Avesta Housing will receive a $1.3 million tax credit from MaineHousing for The Rochambeau, a new development off Barra Road in Biddeford, Maine, that will provide 46 affordable homes for people ages 55 and older. The award is part of $14.3 million in low income housing tax credits announced on Nov. 21 by the Maine governor’s office for affordable housing developments across the state.

The Rochambeau’s name is in recognition of Biddeford’s rich Franco-American heritage and the Rochambeau Club, a snowshoe club founded in 1934 that was once located nearby. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and completed in 2027.

'We wanted a place to call our own'

How a Maine couple fulfilled their dream through Avesta Housing

Jason and Megan with their cat Luna at their home in Gray, Maine, which they purchased through Avesta Housing's "A Path Forward" program.

Jason and Megan did everything they were supposed to do to achieve the American dream. But when it came time to purchase a home, they hit a wall. One that seemed almost insurmountable.

Through Avesta Housing, the young couple received the resources they needed to make their dream come true. They found an affordable apartment to rent at Deering Place in Portland. Financial counseling provided by our Homeownership + Financial Counseling department helped them devise a budget and savings plan, and our first-time homebuyer education class gave them the knowledge they needed to begin the homebuying process.

In late October, Jason and Megan purchased their first home – a single-story, three-bedroom house with an attached garage in Gray, Maine, sold through Avesta’s new “A Path Forward” program for lower- to middle-income households.

 “We are so thankful for Avesta,” Jason said. “If it wasn’t for Avesta, we wouldn't be where we're at today.”

Click below to read their story.

New HUD rule could make thousands in Maine & NH homeless

The evidence is clear: Providing affordable housing with person-centric supportive  services is the most effective way to end homelessness. This permanent supportive housing contrasts with emergency shelter, warming centers, and transitional housing, which are not sustainable, long-term housing solutions.

Unfortunately, these temporary emergency responses are essential lifelines for people experiencing homelessness because of our severe housing supply shortage. The housing system is broken, and the most extreme manifestation of this is homelessness.

Recent proposed policy changes by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would serve to treat the emergency of homelessness and slash investments in the cure: permanent supportive housing. Guidance issued on Nov. 13 by HUD would slash state funding for supportive housing. This will put more than 1,200 people in Maine and more than 900 people in New Hampshire at risk of cycling back into homelessness.

This is wrong. This is cruel. And it must be corrected.

Avesta Housing is joining the voices of advocates across the country to reverse this new guidance and restore federal Continuum of Care funding. Click here to watch a recent interview with Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins with News Center 6 (WCSH) to learn more. Click here to read an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald by Jennifer and Dean Klein, executive director of the Maine Continuum of Care, which secures HUD funding for housing and essential support services.

Avesta makes key promotions in executive leadership roles

We are pleased to announce promotions within our leadership team that will help strengthen our organization and support the success of both our staff and residents.

“These shifts are designed to help us work more collaboratively, respond more nimbly to new challenges, and continue advancing our belief that everyone deserves a place to call home,” said Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins. “While these changes involve a few key leaders, their purpose is to make sure our teams have the guidance, resources, and coordination needed to do their best work every day.”

• Eric Boucher, Executive Vice President and Chief Finance & Operations Officer: Eric will oversee Avesta’s finance and human resources functions, assisted living business operations, information systems, and the Homeownership + Financial Counseling department. Eric has been with Avesta Housing since 2010 and is being promoted from Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration. He also served as Interim President & CEO of Avesta Housing from November 2024 to July 2025.

• Patrick Hess, Vice President of Real Estate: Patrick will guide all aspects of Avesta’s real estate development and preservation strategy, overseeing real estate development, construction services and asset management. He joined Avesta in 2017 and is being promoted from Director of Real Estate Development, a position he held since 2022.

• Jessica Moninski, Senior Director of Organizational Development: Jessica will lead Avesta’s human resources, training, and development efforts. This includes coordinating new employee orientation, developing robust training and development programming, and implementing onboarding strategies that support staff integration, engagement, and growth. Jessica is being promoted from Director of Human Resources, a position she held since joining Avesta in 2022.

Help us build communities

Meet Tammie and David. Before they found Avesta, they were living in a situation where they felt confined and lonely. Now they can rattle off a long list of friends in their community. They have shared furniture, rides to the grocery store, and lots of good times.

Avesta’s community rooms, committed staff, and quality programs give residents the opportunity to make connections that provide comfort and purpose. 

Make a donation today to create a welcoming community like Tammie and David’s.

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE?

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