Dawn Pendergrass’ father lost his life savings in an internet scam and was running out of options when he found a home with Avesta Housing at Village Commons, an affordable housing community for older adults in Scarborough, Maine. Dawn spoke at the grand opening of Village Commons in June 2024; the unedited transcript of her speech is below.

“Thank you for being here today and allowing me to tell my dad’s story. This moment holds special significance for me, as it brings together personal experience and the impact of a wonderful organization.

“My father was a successful industrial engineer throughout his life. He taught me the value of hard work, patience, and doing things right the first time. I owe my work ethic and drive to him. In retirement, my mom and dad sold their house and embarked on an adventure, traveling across the country in a motorhome. They wintered in Arizona and later Florida, and summered in Maine. It was the best of both worlds.

“However, in March 2022, my mom passed away after developing health issues. Her passing left my dad devastated. Losing his wife of 51 years sent him into a tailspin, and in his grief and loneliness, he became vulnerable and was taken advantage of financially. Like many older adults, my dad found himself now living on a very fixed income. The journey between Maine and Florida in the motorhome became too much for him, but the rental market in Southern Maine was out of his reach. This became a series of angst-ridden conversations and worry for two years after my mom passed.

“This is where Avesta Housing comes in. Through a good friend whose grandmother lived in an Avesta property in Biddeford, I discovered that Village Commons was nearing completion and asked my dad if I could apply on his behalf. He agreed, though I wasn’t optimistic about our chances. I anticipated a long waiting list and months of uncertainty. I was cautiously optimistic when Patty from Avesta Housing called asking if he could come and see an apartment. With my dad still in Florida, I toured the building myself.

“Tears streamed down my face as I signed the initial paperwork in the office just 30 minutes later. The stress and worry I had been carrying for the past year began to lift. Avesta Housing saved my dad. He now has a clean, safe, stable, and affordable apartment. It’s even nicer than some of the places I lived when I was younger. His little dog, Beau, has become his social ambassador, helping him connect with many of his neighbors.

“I am profoundly grateful for Avesta Housing and their commitment to supporting older adults who have been priced out of the rental market in Southern Maine. No matter how hard you work, unforeseen circumstances or challenges can disrupt your plans for the future. Thank you, Avesta Housing, for providing my dad and many others with a place to call home.”