MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan honored Avesta Housing President Rebecca Hatfield with the Stephen B. Mooers Award during MaineHousing’s 2023 Affordable Housing Conference in Portland on Oct. 4.

Hatfield was praised by Brennan for her long-time commitment to the work of creating affordable housing for all. He especially noted her work in 2023 to open a new affordable housing development in Portland that helped provide dozens of families seeking asylum in Maine a safe home while they awaited their work permits.

“Rebecca faced up to the unfortunate and sometimes ugly criticisms of this brave move,” Brennan said, “And as a result, dozens of people now have a safe place to call home.”

He said because of Hatfield and Avesta’s work, many of these new Mainers had since received their work authorizations. “They have entered our workforce and have begun the road to financial independence by contributing to, and in some cases, paying their full rental obligation.”

The award, named for the late Stephen B. Mooers, who worked for the Penquis Community Action Program in Bangor on housing, is meant to recognize individuals in Maine who have “not only helped Maine people, but who have also taught others how to better serve those in need,” Brennan said. “Doing so with their actions, words, creativity, ingenuity, passion and compassion.”

Hatfield thanked Brennan and, in a short message to the audience of nearly 500 in attendance, thanked her team at Avesta, noting her gratitude for their dedication to their work.