Avesta Housing has launched a $2 million fundraising program to support the affordable housing needs of older adults.

“The number of applicants on wait lists for our affordable senior properties is staggering, especially relative to the very few vacancies that become available annually,” Dana Totman, president and CEO of the nonprofit, said in a news release Friday. “Once these individuals have obtained a home, they often eventually require additional support services in order to age in place safely and with dignity. We all have a responsibility to step up and do more to help older adults in need.”

The fundraising program was publicly announced at a meeting of community leaders and partners on Nov. 13.

Avesta, founded in 1972, is a nonprofit provider of affordable housing that operates 2,700 apartments in Maine and New Hampshire. Last year, it received 4,046 household applications and yet was only able to provide homes to 373.