Avesta Stories
’They don't just give you a home – they give you hope'
Russell is a native Mainer who became homeless when he could no longer afford the rent on his apartment and his truck was totaled. Now he lives in an Avesta home and is giving back to his community.
‘Avesta Housing saved my dad’
Dawn’s 74-year-old father lost his life savings in an internet scam and was unable to find an affordable rental. Then they found Avesta.
‘You will be happy with Avesta Housing’
Pedro and Alice were living in a shelter and fantasized about living in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood. Avesta made that dream a reality.
‘I don’t think I’d be alive if I didn’t get into Florence House’
For four years, Laura was homeless and living on the streets of Portland. Florence House, an Avesta Housing community for women who have experienced chronic homelessness, gave her a new lease on life.
More Resident Stories

Like mother, like daughter: Meadowview provides affordable housing for 2 generations
February 20, 2025
When Arlene needed an affordable place to live, she knew exactly where she wanted to

Thomas Heights resident teaches free sewing classes to limited-income students
November 10, 2024
Helen Burns is a resident of Thomas Heights, an Avesta Housing affordable housing development in

Woodsedge resident spearheads food pantry for residents
November 8, 2024
Deedee Garcia organizes the food pantry at Woodsedge, an Avesta community for older adults and

Meadows residents give back to their community as members of town Rec Commission
November 6, 2024
Jan Troisi, left, and Sylvia Archer display their scarecrow at The Common in Hampton Falls,

Unity Gardens resident celebrates 100th birthday
May 30, 2024
Barbara Tolman and her daughter, Laurel Parker Unity Gardens, Avesta Housing’s affordable housing community for

Avesta resident pays it forward by helping others
April 29, 2024
Mariam arrived in Maine from Djibouti with her four children with no money, no job,

Single mom: ‘It felt like an angel came to visit me’ when approved for Avesta home
April 29, 2024
In March 2023, Kayla and her 4-year-old son became unhoused. They couched surfed for a

Family finds new hope with Avesta Housing
April 29, 2024
When Alain was told he and his family had a new home with Avesta Housing,