Equality Commons is Now Open!

Photo: Steven Bridges

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, we celebrated the grand opening of Equality Commons, and what a memorable day it was! This has been a dream held by the ECC's four founders since the very beginning, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house that brought our community together to mark this historic moment.

Photo: Steven Bridges

We were honored to hear remarks from Portland Mayor Mark Dion, Frannie Peabody Center Executive Director Katie Rutherford, future Equality Commons resident Erica, and several other community members who helped make this project possible, before cutting the ribbon on Maine's first affordable senior housing community with programs and services for LGBTQ+ older adults.

The 54-unit housing community will be next door to ECC's new offerings including more community meals, wellness sessions designed for older adults, intergenerational programming and much more.

As ECC Board Member Theo Greene shared, "LGBTQ+ older adults having this sense of community and having the opportunity to be around central amenities and programming is really important, particularly in this political moment."

None of this would have been possible without so many people and organizations who believed in this project from the very beginning.

Photo: Steven Bridges

Thank you to Ryan Senatore for designing a building that beautifully reflects the brick red, historic character that defines downtown Portland. To Penobscot General Contractors, who built it with such care and precision. Developers Collaborative masterfully guided this project from vision to reality. Thank you to Portland Housing Authority for stepping in to manage the property and support our residents for years to come. The City of Portland and Portland City Council were true partners throughout this process, and we thank them for their continued support. MaineHousing believed in this project enough to make it one of just a handful selected for funding statewide, and that belief is a huge part of why Equality Commons exists today. We are so grateful to TD Bank's Evernorth Fund and the Genesis Community Loan Fund for putting their name and their money behind this project when so many companies are backing away from connected to the LGBTQ+ community. And thank you to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for your generous grant, which will help make Equality Commons safer and more comfortable for residents for years to come. We are endlessly grateful to each and every one of them.

Residents will begin moving in over the coming days, and leasing and applications remain open for anyone interested in calling Equality Commons home.

We can't wait to welcome our new neighbors home!

Welcome Our First Executive Director, Chris O'Connor!

Portland, Maine - The Board of Directors of the Equality Community Center (ECC) is excited to announce the appointment of Chris O'Connor as Executive Director. The ECC, a leading voice for equality and inclusion in Portland since 2015, is a collaborative workplace for LGBTQ+ and social justice non-profit organizations. O'Connor, who previously served as the Center's Manager, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the ECC’s mission to provide a safer and more inclusive gathering space supporting marginalized communities.

"Chris has been an invaluable member of our team for the past year as Center Manager, and we are thrilled to have him step into this new role," said Matt Dubois, President of the Board of Directors. "He has a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ community needs, and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing equality and inclusion for everyone."

In his role as the ECC’s Manager, O'Connor has been key in the successful expansion of the Center to its new home at 15 Casco Street. The Center is approximately 22,000 square feet and is home to over 10 justice-minded nonprofit organizations including EqualityMaine and Maine Transgender Network. The Center also has significant space for community gatherings where programs such as workshops, social events, and support groups take place.

O’Connor has been instrumental in the ECC’s capital campaign that has raised 2.8 million. The campaign will support the construction of affordable housing adjacent to the Center. Chris has also played an important role in establishing strong relationships with local businesses and organizations to further the Center’s mission and expand its reach. 

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Equality Community Center," said O'Connor. "I believe deeply in the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive community, and I look forward to working with our team and our partners to advance this vital work."

As Executive Director, O'Connor will oversee all aspects of the Center's operations and work closely with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities and ensure the continued success of the organization. The board is confident that under Chris's leadership, the Center will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people throughout the state of Maine.

Contact: Benn Marine, ECC Board Member and Chair of Communications Committee

Phone: 207-712-2176

Email: benn@dirigocollective.com