Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Navigating the federal terrain

Over the past few months, there has been a great deal of uncertainty as to how federal action could potentially affect affordable housing development and management. While we are working in an environment in which federal policies are fluctuating, we are closely monitoring the situation so that we can react judiciously to any changes that might impact our organization, our mission, or our residents.

Our approach is to be proactive, informed, and level-headed so we can confidently navigate the shifting terrain. We have seen some early impacts of the recent resource and policy changes, but I remain confident in Avesta’s ability to identify opportunities and manage the issues while continuing to be successful in our mission and maintaining the core values that guide our work.

Thank you for your ongoing support to promote thriving communities through safe, quality, affordable homes and resident services.

Eric Boucher

Interim President & CEO

Avesta names new officers to Board of Directors

L-R: Dr. Renée Fay-LeBlanc, Peter Pitegoff, Douglas Stockbridge, Jim Hanley

Avesta is proud to announce that is has appointed new officers to its Board of Directors:

Dr. Renée Fay-LeBlanc, Chair – Dr. Fay-LeBlanc is an internal medicine physician and serves as chief medical officer at Greater Portland Health.

Peter Pitegoff, Vice Chair – Peter is professor emeritus at the University of Maine School of Law, where he served as dean from 2005-15.

Douglas Stockbridge, Secretary – Douglas is president of Rollins Management Group Inc., a health care and real estate management company that designs, builds and manages senior housing.

Jim Hanley, Treasurer – Jim is president of The Wishcamper Companies, an affordable housing and renewable energy investment company.

Click below to learn more about our new officers and the expertise they bring to the Avesta Board.

Fighting hunger and strengthening communities

Avesta partners with Wayside to provide meals to residents and neighbors

Avesta Housing’s success in helping our residents achieve and maintain housing stability relies heavily on forging strong partnerships. One of our partners, Wayside, has been an invaluable resource for years.

Every Monday from noon to 1 p.m., Wayside staff and volunteers provide community meals accompanied by live music at 409 Cumberland, an Avesta affordable housing community in Portland. Wayside also distributes food to other Avesta properties via its mobile food pantry and grants our staff access to its warehouse for food distribution to residents.

“The importance of bringing food and meals to areas where food insecurity is prevalent cannot be overstated. Simply put, the barriers that many of our residents and neighbors face prohibit them from traveling for food,” said Avesta Housing Resident Services Manager Nick Kjeldgaard. “Free, nutritious food is one of many huge benefits of Wayside's long-­term commitment to helping our neighborhoods.”

Click below to read more.

Camden National Bank donates $100K to Avesta Housing

Avesta Housing has received a $100,000 gift of unrestricted funds from Camden National Bank. These funds will help Avesta in its ongoing work to provide affordable housing to people in need, help our residents achieve and maintain housing stability, and offer financial counseling and fresh opportunities to prospective homeowners.

“We are incredibly grateful to Camden National Bank for its support and shared vision to provide safe, stable, affordable homes for people in Maine and New Hampshire,” said Sara Olson, vice president of advancement of Avesta Housing. “This generous gift will ensure that our residents and other community members benefit from the engagement and support they need to achieve housing stability and success.”

Click below to learn more.

Going fast – apply today!

Our Feb. 25 open house at Meadowview II was a great success! Prospective residents, neighbors, and members of the community were treated to apartment tours of this new affordable housing development for people 55 and older in Gray, Maine, which includes on-site laundry and parking, utilities included in rent, and 24-hour emergency maintenance service. Several visitors liked it so much, they filled out applications on the spot!

We are still accepting applications for one-bedroom apartments at Meadowview II, so spread the word or apply today by clicking below!

Listen now: Affordable housing solutions for older adults

Finding safe, quality, affordable homes has been especially difficult for older adults since the COVID pandemic. Avesta Housing Vice President of Property Management & Resident Services Amanda Gilliam recently addressed those challenges and offered advice to older adults for navigating them on an episode of “Maine Calling” presented by Maine Public Radio.

The episode also included Jess Mauer, executive director of Maine Council on Aging, and Noël Bonam, state director of AARP Maine. Listen to a recording of the live broadcast by clicking below.

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE?

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