SPOTLIGHT ON HUSTON COMMONS

Avesta Housing is proud to announce that it has completed the construction of 30 “Housing First” apartments for homeless individuals in Portland. As was the case at Logan Place and Florence House, our two prior housing first projects, Avesta is partnering with Preble Street for the provision of 24-hour, on-site support services. All 30 of the Huston Commons apartments will be occupied by disabled, homeless individuals.

Rent affordability for tenants is ensured by an allocation of project-based rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, awarded by Portland Housing Authority. Tenants are required to pay 30% of their income towards the rent, while federal funds cover the balance of the monthly rent payment.

The project includes a partnership with Maine Medical Partners, to both address specific health concerns and more generally ensure that residents have access to the health and personal care services that medically compromised individuals typically benefit from in their homes. A medical care room was built within the project to allow MMP to schedule regular practitioner hours on site, and that room has been wired to accommodate telemedicine services for use in treating tenants.

Welcome to our new Huston Commons residents! We’re delighted to have you!

The site is located within a short walk of the extensive Portland public transportation bus systems, connecting residents with Portland’s downtown as well as adjoining communities. Additionally, there are numerous shops, restaurants and retail stores located within a half-mile walk. To increase the safety of foot traffic, an extension of the sidewalk was built from the project site to Stevens & Forest Avenues, where public transportation and many amenities are available and sidewalks already exist.

Each apartment is about 350 square feet and highly accessible/adaptable. Additional features include on-site laundry, a community room and a community garden for resident use.

Last Wednesday seven individuals moved into Huston Commons. Each of the seven has been homeless for years and years. They have backgrounds with missteps, challenges, and disabilities beyond belief. Wednesday their lives changed. They have a home of their own. A brand new home of their very own. A clean home with a bed and a bathroom. A home with friendly neighbors and safe from the elements.

Dr. Megan Sandel, Boston University Associate Professor of Pediatrics, has stated that housing is a vaccine that leads to good health. Huston Commons is the vaccine for these seven and the individuals who will also move in. They will be healthier, happier, safer, and less disruptive. Just like other vaccines, Huston Commons will save money and save lives. Huston Commons is why I like my job.

Dana TotmanPresident, Avesta Housing

SPOTLIGHT ON HUSTON COMMONS

Welcome to our new Huston Commons residents! We’re delighted to have you!

Huston Commons in the news:

Portland Press Herald: More homeless escape streets as Portland opens 30 new apartments

The Forecaster: Portland’s homeless first in line for new housing

Click here for Huston Commons development information

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFICE