Community Housing of Maine

06/17/2026

Meet Willie, CHOM's Director of Warm Welcomes 🐾

At CHOM, we believe everyone deserves to feel welcome, and nobody understands that better than Willie.

If you've visited the CHOM office, chances are you've been greeted by Willie. As our official Director of Warm Welcomes, he takes his responsibilities seriously – greeting visitors, boosting staff morale, supervising meetings from the nearest sunny spot, and reminding us all to take a moment to enjoy the little things. And to not take life too seriously.

Known for his professionalism, impeccable fashion sense, and a compensation package consisting almost entirely of treats, Willie is a beloved member of the CHOM team. Whether he's making new friends, accepting well-deserved belly rubs, or keeping an eye on office activities, Willie helps make CHOM feel a little more like home – because at CHOM, we know that creating a home is about more than four walls, and Willie understands that better than most.

Willie remains committed to advancing office morale, one tail wag at a time.



P.S. Willie would like it noted that his performance review was excellent, and he fully expects an annual treat bonus this year 🦴

06/12/2026

Today, we’re celebrating Dennis – a resident whose growth, perseverance, and kindness have made a lasting impact within his community.

Since moving into supportive housing, Dennis has shown tremendous personal growth, resilience, and perseverance. Even when things haven’t been easy – and at many points they truly haven’t been – he has continued moving forward. Through difficult situations and moments of change, he has persevered, building stability, strengthening connections within the community, and approaching challenges with determination – sometimes against all odds.

Around town, Dennis is also pretty well known for another reason – he’s rarely seen without his beloved dog by his side. Together, they’ve become familiar and friendly faces in the neighborhood, reminding us how important companionship, connection, and community can be. 🐾💛

Stories like Dennis’s are a powerful reminder that housing creates the foundation for growth, healing, and new opportunities – especially through the moments and challenges that are not easy – and that every person’s journey deserves dignity, support, patience, and celebration.

We’re proud of Dennis and grateful to be part of his continued journey 💙🏡

06/11/2026

We were honored to partner with the Rockland Maine Fire & EMS Department for a truly meaningful and unique collaboration.

Recently, the department utilized a building slated for demolition as part of preparations for one of CHOM’s future housing developments. Before the site begins its next chapter, firefighters were able to use the structure for valuable hands-on training exercises that help strengthen emergency response skills and preparedness.

Partnerships like this are a powerful reminder of what community collaboration can look like – finding opportunities for shared benefit, supporting local first responders, and maximizing community value even during periods of transition and redevelopment.

We’re deeply grateful to the Rockland Fire Department for their partnership, professionalism, and service to the community every day. We’re proud that this space could support their important work before making way for new housing opportunities in the future.

This is what community partnership looks like in action 🚒🏡

06/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Bank of America and their incredible team of volunteers for spending the day with us in Waterville last week!

As part of a long-standing partnership that we deeply value, volunteers rolled up their sleeves alongside CHOM staff to help refresh two of our supportive housing communities through gardening, landscaping, and deck restoration projects. Together, the teams helped enhance shared outdoor spaces that residents enjoy every day.

What makes this partnership so meaningful is not just the work accomplished, but the consistent commitment to community it represents. Year after year, Bank of America team members generously dedicate their time, energy, and talents to supporting CHOM's mission and helping create welcoming, vibrant places residents are proud to call home.

We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and for the many years of volunteerism, generosity, and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come! 🌿🏡💙

05/29/2026

There’s something powerful about seeing neighbors come together in community spaces.

We were thrilled to attend Nightingale’s Spring Festival and see the courtyard filled with connection, laughter, music, local vendors, and community spirit.

As neighboring communities, we’re especially grateful for our partnership with Redfern and our shared commitment to creating welcoming, vibrant spaces where residents and neighbors can gather, connect, and build relationships. The event reflected what makes community special – people coming together, building relationships, and creating a sense of belonging.

Events like this do more than bring people together for an afternoon – they foster belonging, strengthen neighborhoods, support local artists and businesses, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

A huge thank you to Redfern, the Nightingale residents, local musicians, vendors, makers, and everyone who helped make the evening so special. Special thanks to Ethan at Redfern, whose hard work and coordination helped bring this event to life. We love being neighbors and deeply appreciate the partnership and shared dedication to creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and at home.

🏡 Community thrives when people have places to gather, connect, and belong.

05/28/2026

We’re excited to share that CHOM’s Board of Directors has officially named Kyra Walker as Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine! 🎉

Kyra has long been a dedicated leader within CHOM, bringing more than 25 years of experience in affordable housing and nonprofit leadership along with a deep commitment to creating communities where individuals and families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Throughout her years with CHOM, she has helped guide and strengthen our work with a focus on resident well-being, strong partnerships, and ensuring our communities are grounded in dignity, opportunity, and support.

Over the past several months, Kyra has led with compassion, steadiness, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. Her thoughtful leadership reflects the values at the heart of CHOM – people-centered, mission-driven, and deeply rooted in the belief that housing changes lives and strengthens communities.

Please join us in congratulating Kyra on this exciting new chapter. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership and look forward to the future ahead. ✨

For the full press release: https://www.chomhousing.org/kyra-walker-named-executive-director

PORTLAND, Maine – Community Housing of Maine (CHOM) announced that its Board of Directors has selected Kyra Walker as Executive Director, following her service as Interim Executive Director and prior leadership roles with the organization. 

05/21/2026

🌟 Service Provider Spotlight Series 🌟
We’re proud to spotlight our incredible partners at Commonspace 💙

Through our shared work – including recovery residences and supportive housing initiatives in York County – Commonspace brings compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to resident success. Their team consistently leads with a deeply tenant-focused approach, helping individuals build stability, connection, recovery, and long-term housing success.

What makes Commonspace so impactful is not only the services they provide, but the way they show up for residents every day – with empathy, persistence, collaboration, and genuine care for each person’s journey. They are steadfast partners who understand that housing stability is strengthened through community, trust, and supportive relationships.

We’re deeply grateful for Commonspace’s partnership and the meaningful work they do alongside us to help ensure residents have the support they need to thrive. 🏡✨

05/07/2026

We’re grateful to welcome new artwork from the Maine Art Collective into the lobby at Equinox 🎨

Art has a unique ability to transform shared spaces – bringing warmth, connection, reflection, and conversation into the places people call home. In community spaces especially, it can foster belonging, spark interaction, and create moments of beauty and comfort in everyday life.

At CHOM, we believe housing is about more than four walls. Thoughtful, welcoming spaces matter, and partnerships like this help strengthen the sense of community that grows within them.

And yes – our Interim Executive Director Kyra personally helping carry the artwork to the building felt pretty symbolic of the kind of community this is: everyone pitching in to help make a space feel more like home.

A sincere thank you to the Maine Art Collective for sharing their work and helping make Equinox an even more vibrant and welcoming place for residents, guests, and the broader community ✨

05/04/2026

We were glad to join Leadership Portland for their recent Health & Human Services Day – a thoughtful opportunity to explore the connections between housing, mental health, and community wellbeing.

CHOM participated in a panel alongside partners at Avesta Housing – who also generously hosted the event – Portland Housing Authority, and the City of Portland, Maine Health & Human Services Department. Together, we discussed the role housing plays in public health, the growing demand for affordable and supportive housing, and how decades of policy decisions have shaped today’s housing and homelessness challenges.

A key takeaway from the day was clear: housing is foundational. When people have access to stable, affordable homes – paired with the right supports – outcomes improve across systems.

We’re grateful to Leadership Portland for convening this year’s cohort and creating space for meaningful, cross-sector dialogue on issues like housing, mental health, and public health. Their work to connect and equip community leaders is critical to advancing thoughtful, lasting solutions.

Thank you as well to our fellow panelists, Leah Bruns (PHA), Jennifer Hawkins (Avesta), and Maggie McLoughlin (City of Portland) for their partnership and shared commitment to advancing solutions.

05/01/2026

We recently visited one of our communities and had the chance to spend time with Mike – and we’re so glad we did.

He was all smiles, welcoming, and clearly at home. Seeing that made it even more meaningful to reflect on how far he’s come.

When Mike first moved into one of CHOM’s homes, he kept to himself.

Referred from a transitional housing program for people experiencing homelessness, he was navigating more than just finding a place to live. Day-to-day responsibilities and processes felt overwhelming, and for a time, it was hard for him to fully engage.

But with stable housing and consistent support, things began to shift.

Over time, Mike found his footing. He became more connected, more confident, and more comfortable in his community.

Today, Mike has stepped into a peer leadership role – working alongside CHOM and our service provider partner Commonspace to help support the house and the people who live there.

From someone who once stayed on the margins, to someone helping lead – his journey is a powerful reminder of what stability and opportunity can make possible.

This is what housing can do.

💙 We hope you’ll consider helping us create more stories like Mike’s: www.chomhousing.org/donate