# Maine Affordable Housing Coalition


## Posts

- [Stonecrest II](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/stonecrest-ii/): In response to a critical need for additional senior housing in the rural community of Standish, Maine, Gawron Turgeon Dillon Architects, P.C. was retained by Avesta Housing to plan and design this 25-unit project. We assessed the existing affordable housing Stonecrest I site—with its rolling topography, ledge outcroppings, wetlands and a private septic system—to determine how many additional garden-style units could fit on the parcel of land with minimal impact on the environment. The 25 units are one-story and total approximately 16,300 sq. ft. The units are grouped together in five “pods”. The existing community building was also expanded and updated […]
- [Bartlett](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/bartlett/): Gawron Turgeon Dillon Architects, P.C. worked with Yarmouth Senior Housing and Avesta Housing to develop a 28-unit senior affordable housing community near downtown Yarmouth, Maine. Our GTD team worked diligently to ensure that the design fits well with existing structures in the neighborhood and becomes an integral part of the existing Bartlett Circle community. Bartlett Woods—which graciously serves seniors aged 55 and over—is approximately 28,200 sq. ft. and offers one- and two-bedroom apartments, a shared community room, on-site laundry, a telemedicine room, and outdoor spaces and trails. With a 39 KW photovoltaic system integrated into the roof design, the project […]
- [Ridgewood](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/ridgewood-at-village-square/): Ridgewood at Village Square—one of the many Avesta Housing developments in Maine—is a 24-unit affordable housing community for seniors and those with disabilities. At approximately 23,000 sq. ft. it offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, a telemedicine room, a laundry room, a mechanical/maintenance room, and recycling storage. Gawron Turgeon Dillon Architects, P.C. created this LEED Platinum design that addressed energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability, all while working within the client’s budget. Enterprise Green Communities certified and Energy Star certified, Ridgewood at Village Square also produces 50% of its own energy. Financed by Maine Housing and Rural Development. Other organizations involved: […]
- [Housing Policy Conference - Mon., Nov 9, 2026](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/housing-policy-conference-mon-nov-9-2026/): 8 am – 4 pm; Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland MAHC is already planning for the 2026 Housing Policy Conference. If you’d like to sponsor or register, follow the links here.
- [Thank You!](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/thank-you/): We look forward to seeing you at one of our Member Events soon.
- [Matt Barrington - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/matt-barrington-profile/)
- [Porter Station](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/porter-station/): “Places like Porter Station are so important for families like ours, because it’s getting to the point where rents are so high, no one can afford to live here anymore. People who are on limited incomes like myself face very few choices when it comes to housing, and when we have children to take care of, it’s very difficult to pay for food, clothing, and health care when most of our money is going to pay the rent. We need more places like Porter Station.” – Joseph, retired veteran and truck driver who lives at Porter Station with his granddaughter, […]
- [Congress Square Commons](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/congress-square-commons/): Description Congress Square Commons is a new mixed-income housing development located at 115 Congress Street in Belfast, Maine. The project transforms a former municipal public works yard into a vibrant residential community with 48 new rental units in townhouse and apartment-style configurations. Developers Collaborative led the redevelopment in close partnership with the City of Belfast, reimagining the site as a walkable, family-oriented neighborhood that offers long-term affordability, sustainability, and connections to the surrounding community. The five-building campus includes a mix of unit types and affordability levels. Thirty-six units are income-restricted through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with most […]
- [Freedom Place - 66 State St & 155 Danforth St](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/freedom-place-66-state-st-155-danforth-st/): Description Freedom Place at 66 State Street and 155 Danforth Street is a two-phase affordable and supportive housing development in Portland’s West End that demonstrates how creativity, compassion, and public purpose can reshape a neighborhood and expand opportunity for the most vulnerable in our community. The first phase, Freedom Place, involved the renovation and adaptive reuse of the historic St. Dominic’s Parochial School, converting it into 38 single-room occupancy units with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and gathering spaces. Initially envisioned as a market-rate condominium project, the plan shifted when Developers Collaborative engaged with Amistad, a long-time social service tenant of the […]
- [2025 Maine Legislature Session Summary](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/2025-maine-legislature-session-summary/): Historic Wins for Housing at the Statehouse Thanks to the Legislature and Governor Mills, MAHC’s top-priority bills were signed into law. This wouldn’t have been possible without our member organizations, and the organizations we work with on housing policy. This session we saw unprecedented progress on housing. For the first time ever, Maine has a permanent funding source for housing.MAHC championed a dedicated revenue stream for housing production—now in the budget thanks to LD 1082—that will grow over time and create affordable homes and shelter for Maine people.  We also helped pass laws that reduce barriers to housing construction, including: Important progress was […]
- [LD1829 – Cut the red tape on affordable housing](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/take-action-on-ld-690/): The bill aims to expand opportunities for individuals and developers to create more housing in growth areas. Larger minimum lot sizes result in higher land costs and reduce available housing units, driving up prices. Setting a reasonable minimum will reduce costs and help pave the way for new housing development. Currently, Maine municipalities can adopt growth ordinances, which limit permitting for new housing construction. This would ensure that, in designated growth areas, growth can actually happen. Currently, LD 2003 language requires the unit bonus to be contained to a single structure. This small change would allow for up to four […]
- [MAHC Research](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/research/): MAHC periodically commissions research that informs and supports access to and availability of safe, quality, affordable homes for all Maine people. Whether renting or owning a home, MAHC advocates for the production and preservation of homes for the stability and success of Maine’s low-income families, seniors and individuals.
- [Firehouse Village: Transforming Public Spaces](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/firehouse-village-transforming-public-spaces/): Located in Oak Village in Scarborough, Firehouse Village celebrated the site’s history by renovating the existing fire and police station into a mix of uses including a local grocery store, a fish market, a pizzeria, a fitness club, a daycare, offices, and a community room. In line with established smart growth principles, the project is rounding out the mixed-use approach by constructing 31 new affordable senior residences owned by Avesta Housing. The development team persisted through a zone change, a global pandemic, and rapid construction cost escalation to deliver this project which has brought economic opportunity and new housing stock […]
- [Events](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/events/): MAHC events are an opportunity for relationship-building and knowledge sharing among the talented and diverse community of affordable housing professionals in Maine.
- [Developer’s Toolkit](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/developers-toolkit-building-support-for-affordable-housing-in-maine-communities/): Affordable housing development doesn’t just happen with bricks and mortar — it starts with relationships, trust, and thoughtful community engagement. In today’s environment, even the best-designed housing proposals can face roadblocks if developers haven’t built strong local partnerships early. This toolkit offers practical strategies for housing developers working in Maine to engage town staff, community members, planning boards, and elected officials — before and during the approval process. Tips for Building Community Support 1. Engage Community Members with Respect and Clarity Affordable housing is often misunderstood. Many Mainers support housing in theory but worry about what it means in practice. […]
- [Ben Walter - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/ben-walter-profile/)
- [Mike Myatt - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/mike-myatt-profile/)
- [Rich Hooks Wayman - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/rich-hooks-wayman-profile/)
- [Jeff Levine - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/jeff-levine-profile/)
- [Sherrin Vail - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/sherrin-vail-profile/)
- [John Egan - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/john-egan-profile/)
- [Shawn McKenna - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/shawn-mckenna-profile/)
- [Sam Lebel - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/amy-cullen-profile/)
- [Amy Devin - Attorney, Curtis Thaxter](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/amy-devin-profile/)
- [Nate Howes - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/nate-howes-profile/)
- [Drew Wing - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/drew-wing-profile/)
- [Laura Reading - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/laura-reading-profile/)
- [BJ McCollister - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/bj-mccollister-profile/)
- [Laura Mitchell - Profile](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/laura-mitchell-profile/)
- [About Us](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/about-us-header-content/): Mission MAHC advocates for the creation and preservation of affordable housing so all people in Maine have a place to call home. OverviewThe Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC) is a nonprofit with 130 member organizations and several thousand individual members that advocates for building and preserving affordable housing for all Maine people. MAHC’s members span the breadth of organizations involved in planning, developing, financing, building, and managing housing developments.  MAHC commissions reports to inform the development and advocacy for safe, affordable housing in Maine and convenes member and public forums on meeting Maine’s housing needs. MAHC is Maine’s lead agency for the New England Housing Network, a coalition of housing […]
- [Pass Funding for Housing](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/ld1082-pass-funding-for-housing/): LD 1082, introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau, would eliminate the Real Estate Transfer Tax for first-time or low-income homebuyers who use Maine Housing’s Advantage Program or Maine Housing’s First Generation Program. This will apply to both the buyer and seller’s transfer tax commitment and should make first-time home buyer loans more competitive. It will also increase the Real Estate Transfer Tax to fund the construction of new affordable housing units. This bill will help address our housing crisis while also assisting first-time homebuyers to purchase homes.  Click here to send a pre-written message to your legislators to pass housing funding
- [Affordable Housing 101](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/affordable-housing-101-2/): At its core, affordable housing means a household can find a safe, stable place to live without sacrificing other essentials like food, health care, or transportation. A commonly accepted benchmark is that housing is affordable when it costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income. When families spend more than that, they are considered cost-burdened, and often face tough choices to make ends meet. Why Maine Needs Affordable Housing Maine needs to build 80,000 new homes by 2030 to fill its backlog of 40,000 homes and its future workforce needs according to a State and Maine Housing study. […]
- [Join the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition today!](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/join-the-maine-affordable-housing-coalition-today/): The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition is a dues-paying membership organization, representing all parts of the Affordable Housing ecosystem in Maine. We pursue housing affordability for all Maine people because adequate housing is the foundation which makes strong lives and strong communities possible. Achieving housing affordability is not easy, but it becomes more possible when we work together in smart and collaborative ways.   Reasons to Join MAHC Contact MAHC with any questions.
- [MAHC Testimony in 2025 to the 132nd Legislature – In Favor](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/mahc-testimony-in-2025-to-the-132nd-legislature-in-favor/)
- [2025 Maine 132nd Legislature Housing Bill Tracker – Updated 5.23.25](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/2025-maine-132nd-legislature-housing-bill-tracker-updated-weekly/)
- [Off-Site Construction – Member Meeting](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/off-site-construction-member-meeting/): On February 4, 2025, more than 100 MAHC members gathered for a panel presentation of MAHC Research on how off-site construction can improve housing affordability along with insight from experts in the field. Panelists included:
- [Deering Place](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/deering-place/): Deering Place preserves, redevelops, and expands affordable housing in a highly desirable and accessible location within Portland, Maine. Deering Place is a 75-unit, mixed-income development that includes a major renovation of 13 existing units and the construction of two new residential buildings on lots adjacent to the existing building. Upon completion, there are 62 new units. Amenities include a new community room, laundry rooms, and indoor parking that will be accessible to residents in all buildings. There will be easily-accessible walkways and sitting areas. There is currently a community policing office onsite that will remain. Deering Place comes at a […]
- [Front Street Redevelopment Phase 1+2](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/front-street-redevelopment-phase-12/): The Front Street redevelopment project in Portland, Maine, is a transformative effort by Portland Housing Authority (PHA) and Portland Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) to replace outdated housing with a modern, sustainable, and community-focused neighborhood. Originally built in 1971 as temporary housing, Front Street was constructed on a former city dump to accommodate families displaced during the city’s Urban Renewal era. However, over the decades, the prefabricated structures remained in continuous use despite their intended short lifespan. By the time redevelopment efforts began, the buildings were in poor condition and the site was classified as a brownfield, requiring significant environmental remediation. […]
- [Welcome and thank you for helping advance affordable housing in Maine](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/welcome-and-thank-you-for-helping-advance-affordable-housing-in-maine/): This page contains tutorials and resources, in the right-hand column. If you are new to advocating for this issue, please check out these first. Below in the main column, we have current urgent actions listed at the top. Scroll down for background and more info on the issues and actions we are tracking and supporting.
- [Affordable housing can be great for residents and communities!](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/affordable-housing-can-be-great-for-residents-and-communities/): Check out these case studies of winning collaborations on quality housing for new neighbors. On the right, find MAHC’s original research helping to move the field forward. If you’re new to Affordable Housing, also check out our resources: Affordable Housing 101, Resources for Communities, and our Developer Toolkit.
- [Ways to Advocate for Housing Right Now](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/ways-you-can-advocate-for-housing-right-now/): Attend your local planning board and council meetings to speak in favor or housing in your community – particlarly affordable housing.Call or email your State Representative, State Senator, or local elected official and tell them we need more housing in all communities in Maine.​Submit a letter to your town’s Planning Board, Council, or Select Board sharing why housing matters in your community.​Share your housing story in a letter to the editor, blog post, or social media post​Attend a housing summit or conference in Maine.​Connect with the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition or join today. There is strength in numbers.
- [Tips for Testifying at a Public Hearing](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/tips-for-testifying-at-a-public-hearing/): Be Brief (stick to your key points) and avoid being repetitive Submit written comments in advance of the meeting if possible Avoid reading from a piece of paper - be personal and passionate and reflect on your personal experience.Bring someone you know with you - there is strength in numbers Adjust the microphone before you
- [The Maine Legislative Process](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/the-maine-legislative-process/): As an affordable housing advocacy organization, understanding the Maine legislative process is crucial for effectively advancing our goals. Here's an overview of how a bill progresses from drafting to becoming law:1. Drafting the BillThe process begins with the drafting of a bill. Legislators, including both state
- [Pass Ongoing Funding for Housing LD 1082](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/take-action-on-ld-1082/): MAHC testified in favor of LD1082 to increase the real estate transfer tax on the portion of property sales over $1 million from $2.20 to $5 per $500; while removing the real estate transfer tax for qualified first time home buyers and their sellers. This targeted bill helps improve affordability for those who need it most scraping together their first home purchase; while increasing the tax on multi-million dollar transactions to a rate comparable with all other New England states in order to provide an ongoing source of funding for building new affordable housing in Maine for rent or purchase.Testimony Template LD1082 to the Taxation Committee for the April 3rd
- [Community Resources](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/tips-for-communities/): As Maine communities grow and change, towns and cities across the state are facing new challenges and opportunities. One of the most urgent is our housing shortage—a lack of affordable, attainable homes for workers, families, older adults, and young people. Local leaders and residents are often the key to unlocking the solutions. That’s why we created this resource: to empower you with facts, tools, and guidance to support well-planned housing development in your community. How to Support a Housing Project in Your Community Housing projects succeed when local leaders, neighbors, and developers work together. Here are ways your community can […]
- [Reduced Emissions](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/reduced-emissions/): Stable housing is associated with lower crime rates, as it fosters community cohesion and reduces the transiency that can contribute to criminal activity.
- [Energy Efficiency](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/energy-efficiency/): Stable housing is associated with lower crime rates, as it fosters community cohesion and reduces the transiency that can contribute to criminal activity.
- [Reduced Crime Rates](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/reduced-crime-rates/): Stable housing is associated with lower crime rates, as it fosters community cohesion and reduces the transiency that can contribute to criminal activity.
- [Neighborhood Revitalization](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/neighborhood-revitalization/): Affordable housing developments can lead to increased local purchasing power, neighborhood vitality, and improved neighborhood quality.
- [Stability for Students](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/stability-for-students/): Stable housing for children reduces school disruptions and provides a conducive learning environment.
- [Supportive Services](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/supportive-services/): Affordable housing can be a platform for services to improve the health of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
- [Enhanced Physical & Mental Health](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/enhanced-physical-mental-health/): Access to safe and affordable housing is linked to better health outcomes, including reduced stress and lower rates of chronic illnesses.
- [Job Creation & Tax Revenue](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/job-creation-tax-revenue/): Investments in affordable housing generate jobs and tax revenues. 100 tax credit apartments can result in approx. $7.9 million in local income, $827,000 in taxes, and 122 local jobs within a year.
- [Increased Local Spending](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/increased-local-spending/): Stable housing is associated with lower crime rates, as it fosters community cohesion and reduces the transiency that can contribute to criminal activity.
- [Residents at Avesta Housing](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/residents-at-avesta-north/)
- [MAHC Supports Housing Bonds](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/mahc-supports-housing-bonds/): MAHC testified in favor of two possible housing bonds: LD 483, HP0312 An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Secure Prosperity for Maine Families and Businesses – Speaker. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford LD 690, SP0307 An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Provide Funding for Affordable and Low-income Housing Programs – Sen. Teresa Pierce of Cumberland
- [Housing Narrative – Member Meeting](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/housing-narrative-member-meeting/): On July 13, 2023,  More than forty MAHC members welcomed the national Housing Narrative Lab’s director, Marisol Bello, for a rich discussion on the message around housing in Maine, research findings on what works for language to engage and persuade audiences in support of housing for all people in Maine.

## Pages

- [Conference](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/housing-policy-conference-mon-nov-9-2026/): Housing Policy Conference – Mon., Nov. 9, 2026 Maine’s largest housing convening. With 500 leaders shaping solutions. 8 am – 4 pm; Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland Housing is the issue underneath every other issue in Maine’s economy—and this is where we solve it. Housing is the foundation of Maine’s economy. Without it, businesses can’t grow, communities can’t thrive, and workers can’t stay. That’s why the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition is bringing together 500+ leaders on November 9, 2026 for our largest Housing Policy Conference to date. This is a unique opportunity to: engage with policymakers […]
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- [Home](https://mainehousingcoalition.org/): LEARN AffordableHousing 101 Why and How PROFESSIONALS JoinMAHC Benefits of Membership HELP OUT TakeAction Your Voice Matters Maine Affordable Housing Coalition advocates for the creation and preservation of affordable housing so all people in Maine have a place to call home. Affordable housing is the basis of good lives and thriving communities. It allow families to stay together, people to complete education, seniors to age in place, and communities to form stable bonds. Affordable housing is also the basis of thriving communities. Research has shown that communities with sufficient affordable housing experience a range of benefits across economic, health, educational, […]


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