Maine’s first affordable SENIOR housing community with supportive services for LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS

Housing costs have skyrocketed over the last several years and many individuals and families can no longer afford to live in Portland. The unforgiving rental market has forced many people, especially older adults, to move out of the city, or worse, experience housing insecurity and homelessness. Affordable, centralized housing has been a longstanding need for seniors in Maine and current conditions have amplified that need astronomically. 

In response to this growing crisis, we are planning to build Equality Commons, an affordable senior housing complex (ages 55+) adjacent to the Equality Community Center. This project will provide inclusive housing for all, regardless of orientation, along with special support services and programming for LGBTQ+ older adults. Located in the heart of downtown Portland, our building will provide residents with convenient access to social services, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and recreation. 

The building’s proximity to the ECC will give residents a permanent, safe place to live and support services they need to age in place. Our project joins a growing national trend in which senior affordable housing communities are being built in conjunction with LGBTQ+ community centers in cities across the country, including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and Philadelphia.

HOW TO APPLY

• Portland Housing Authority will serve as our building management company and will conduct all business for the Equality Commons, including overseeing the application, selection, assignment and lease processes.
  

• The application process timeline is as follows:

  • Last week of October: All people on the Interest List notified.

  • November 1-30, 2025: Applications accepted from people on the Interest List.

  • Mid-December 2025: Lottery drawing from completed applications to assign placement on the Waiting List.

  • January 1, 2026: Applications will open to the general public and will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received (by date and time).
    

• Applications can be downloaded HERE!

• Completed applications should be:

  • Emailed to: kharmon@porthouse.org 

  • Mailed or dropped off at Portland Housing Authority, 970 Baxter Blvd, 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04103

  • All applications must be received or postmarked no later than November 30, 2025 to be included in the lottery draw.
    

• Please note that acceptance of your preliminary application does not guarantee eligibility or housing. Final eligibility will be determined when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.
  

• If you need help completing your application, please contact Ben Baines at 207-773-4753 x8270 or by email at bbaines@porthouse.org  to request assistance.