A bill generating $30,000,000 for affordable housing development for Maine Families, championed by Senate President Mitchell, has been enacted into law. This is the largest state bond for affordable housing in the state's history.

The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition lead a broad partnership of supporters to help get this passed. Both Bill Floyd, Genesis Fund Executive Director and President of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition and Cullen Ryan, Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine and Vice President of the Genesis Fund Board, were present as the bill was signed into law.

We are happy to announce that Elizabeth A. Boepple, Esq. of Portland has become a member of our Board of Directors. Beth is currently a practicing attorney and shareholder at the Law Firm of Lambert Coffin Haenn. Her experience includes counsel on all phases of land use and commercial transaction issues in diverse development projects. Ms. Boepple is a graduate of the University of Vermont and Vermont Law School.

Located within walking distance to downtown Damariscotta and the community center at Mobius, this project will provide four units of supported housing and one unit for support staff. "Because very few individuals with developmental disabilities have the ability and means to transport themselves, it is critical that housing is located within walking distance to services and resources," said David Lawlor, Executive Director of Mobius.

The 35 Chapman Street location will allow residents to walk to programs at Mobius using the foot path behind the new Genesis Fund building. Also accessible via the foot path are the Rising Tide and Yellow Front Markets as well as other businesses located on business Route One. And, its an easy walk to the post office, library, or any other downtown business, from the Chapman Street location.

Since 1978, Mobius has provided community - based services to people of Lincoln County with developmental disabilities. Over 100 adults and youth use Mobius programs such as supported employment, case management, and day habilitation.

The Genesis Fund is proud to provide financing for this important project.

Since 1992 those who support the Genesis Community Loan Fund have understood the extraordinary work that a revolving loan fund can do. By making flexible, low-interest loans rather than outright grants to Maine's nonprofit organizations, the Genesis Fund can use the same pool of funds over and over again.

With your help, we can make a difference for our friends and neighbors.

For more information about how you, your business, church or foundation can put your money to work for good across Maine, please contact Jane Irish at 207.563.6073 or jane@genesisfund.org.