Charlene knows what it’s like to need a helping hand. She raised six children by herself when her husband died at a young age. As a nurse’s aide for York County Health Services, she oftentimes cared for lower-income older adults in their homes. “I even washed their feet,” she said, proudly.

At 90, Charlene is the one in need of a helping hand. She receives it at Kallock Terrace, an affordable housing community for older adults in Saco, Maine.

Kallock Terrace offers a variety of services to its residents to help them age in place comfortably and with dignity. Charlene and other residents enjoy numerous amenities such as:

• Free electricity and heating: Residents do not have to worry about whether they can afford rising energy costs during the winter
• Snow removal on walkways and parking areas to reduce the risk of falls
• Free Wi-Fi and tablets so that they can pay their bills, make appointments, take enrichment classes, and visit with loved ones online at no cost to them
• A community room where residents can socialize with neighbors, watch television, and play games
• Free monthly community meals from Southern Maine Agency on Aging

“Avesta Housing takes care of all my needs,” Charlene said. “This place is really a blessing.”

The services at Kallock Terrace and other Avesta properties in Maine and New Hampshire are made possible by the generosity of partners such as Bangor Savings Bank. Over the past four years, Bangor Savings Bank has donated over $200,000 to Avesta and The Silver Hearth Fund, a donor-supported program that provides support services to community members living in Avesta properties.

“Avesta’s mission to provide quality and affordable homes is crucial to the social and economic wellbeing of Northern New England,” says Jay Muth, VP, Community Development Banking and CRA Officer of Bangor Savings Bank. “We are proud to support Avesta’s work in bringing affordable housing to those in need as part of our commitment to making our communities more prosperous, livable and vibrant.”

If you want to join Avesta Housing in increasing safe, affordable housing options in our communities, click here to make a donation today.

PHOTO: Charlene enjoys a chat with Avesta Housing Property Manager Tony Stanganelli in the community room of Kallock Terrace, an Avesta Housing affordable housing community in Saco, Maine.