“We are working diligently to provide more homes for people in need,” says Rebecca Hatfield, president and CEO of Avesta Housing.
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With thousands of people on Avesta Housing’s wait list for affordable dwellings, the head of the Portland-based nonprofit has a lot on her plate for 2023 and well beyond.
“We are working diligently to provide more homes for people in need,” says Rebecca Hatfield, president and CEO. “Avesta has 700-plus units in various stages of our real estate development pipeline and are actively pursuing additional opportunities to bring more affordable homes to the market.”
Avesta properties scheduled to open in 2023 include West End II in South Portland, Hillside at Village Square in Gorham, Porter Station in Portland and Snow School in Fryeburg.
 When completed, the developments will provide 167 new dwellings.
“We are also in various stages of development on other properties that we anticipate will open in 2024 and beyond,” Hatfield says.
Hatfield, who succeeded Dana Totman in the leadership role at Avesta last September, was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2021.
Asked about her leadership style, Hatfield says: “My approach to leadership is through collaboration, empowerment and transparency. I fundamentally believe that a team with diverse perspectives working toward a shared goal will have the greatest impact.”
Top priorities in 2023: To increase affordable housing options and create more safe, affordable homes for people in need; and to expand access to support services.
“What sets Avesta apart,” Hatfield says, “is our focus on creating safe, supportive communities with a wide variety of amenities and by connecting people in need to services so they can live healthy, stable, and purposeful lives. We are committed to collaborating with partners to expand support services that promote housing stability and resident success.”