NORTH HAVEN, ME – Hannah Pingree, former Speaker of the Maine House and candidate for Governor, is continuing her statewide housing tour, bringing together renters, homeowners, builders, developers, municipal leaders, and housing advocates to listen, collaborate, and identify real solutions to Maine’s housing challenges.
Since the tour’s kickoff in Bangor on September 9, Pingree has visited Biddeford, Auburn, Kittery, Portland, Ellsworth, Rockland, Dover-Foxcroft, Deer Isle and Stonington, holding roundtables and visiting local housing projects to see firsthand how communities are addressing their unique housing needs.
A video capturing the highlights of the visits, discussions, and community interactions thus far is available HERE, offering an inside look at the conversations shaping housing solutions across Maine.
“Going out into Maine communities has shown me exactly what people are dealing with,” said Hannah. “I’ve seen new homes being built and met residents struggling to find an affordable place to live. I’ve talked with local leaders, builders, and neighbors who are tackling real housing challenges every day. These conversations make clear how important the issue of housing is to so many people and communities and the urgency of addressing this challenge.”
In Rockland, Hannah toured and met with the developers of 6 Madelyn Lane, a former medical office building being converted into 18 units of affordable housing. The apartments will serve families earning up to 80% of the area median income and include energy upgrades, with space for future solar panels and electric vehicle charging. The $5.3 million project was made possible through L.D. 2209.
While in Stonington, Hannah Pingree visited the former Island Nursing Home, which is being transformed by HomePort into 23 apartments for seniors and essential workers. The renovation includes apartments, common areas, and gathering spaces to foster community, while repurposing the existing building keeps costs low. HomePort has launched a $1.5 million capital campaign to make the project a reality.
The comprehensive and cross-sector tour has included visits to new affordable homeownership developments in Rockland and Brunswick, a warming shelter in Ellsworth, and builders and building product manufacturers in Belfast and Dover-Foxcroft.
The housing tour will continue with stops across western Maine, including Rumford, Bethel, Norway and South Paris in November.
“Hannah has a proven record of getting results on housing,” said Molly Feeney, Executive Director of Homeworthy. “She works with communities to expand opportunities, provide safe homes, and support families across Maine. It’s so clear that she cares deeply for the people of Maine, which is critical as we continue to navigate housing solutions for so many of our neighbors.”
Hannah has a wide range of experience in housing, with a proven record of leadership at both the state and community level. As Speaker, she championed long-term, sustainable funding for new housing production. After leaving office, she directed a community-based housing organization that expanded homeownership opportunities, developed rental housing, and provided weatherization support for local families.
As Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF), Hannah led the effort to secure the largest pipeline of funding for affordable housing production in state history, including funds for rural rentals, affordable home ownership, mobile home park preservation, opportunities for veterans and seniors, homelessness prevention, and home weatherization.
