PHOTO Relieved to learn her apartment would continue to be affordable, a tenant in Thomaston said, “It was life-changing for me to get in there.”Model for Rural MaineA Path to PreservationMore than 7,500 apartments in Maine are part of a United States Department of Agriculture program that provides affordable rental housing in rural communities for families, older adults, and individuals

PHOTO Genesis Executive Director Liza Fleming-Ives with housing developers Brandon Roberge (left) and Cameron Clark. Like the Reinkens, they’re among Maine developers poised to create smaller-scale affordable housing projects.MaineHousing PartnershipAccessing New Funding ResourcesTim Reinken and his father Rob are experienced real estate development and construction professionals. They have a proven track record cultivating projects from conceptual design through operation. But

Genesis has supported the formation of 10 resident-owned mobile home cooperatives in Maine, helping bring stability, affordability, and community pride to their residents. When we learned that neglected water, sewer, septic, and electrical systems posed risks to the health and safety of more than 200 households in six mobile home communities in Maine, we worked with residents to create plans

Through direct engagement in communities, Genesis ensures our efforts are grounded in real needs and aspirations. We work with people to identify resources and create partnerships that can change lives. One example of that is a bold Genesis initiative supported by a contract from MaineHousing. In 2023, Genesis collaborated with local stakeholders to organize a series of eight regional training

Step into Penobscot Elder Homes and behold the majestic view of the Penobscot River through large windows. This river holds profound significance for the Penobscot tribal community, and is the backdrop for 24 spacious apartments built in 2020 that provide tribal members safe and affordable housing to age comfortably within their island community.

For residents who want to “age in place” in their home communities, for members of the workforce, including parents heading single-income houses and workers with disabilities—basically, for everyone who needs affordable rural rental housing like Lester Hersey’s in Aroostook County, Maine (above), it is as important to preserve existing units as it is to build more of them. That’s why