40 Under 40: Peace Mutesi is a housing advocate motivated by ‘big and small wins’

A new report from Harvard University shows that for the first time, more than half of Portland renters are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. More than half of Portland tenants are struggling to afford rent. According to a new report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, almost 52% of renters in the Portland-South Portland area are “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend at least 30% of their income on housing. And more than 24% are “severely” cost-burdened, meaning that more than half their income goes to housing. It’s a new record for the area but one that affordable housing advocates say is unsurprising, given rent increases that have outpaced wage growth, a competitive buyers market, recently sluggish new construction and an uncertain federal policy environment. The increase distills what advocates, along with policymakers, municipal and state officials and developers have been saying for years: Maine needs to build more housing . Last year, about 45% of Portland-area renters were considered cost-burdened and just under 24% were severely cost-burdened. Maine's increases mirror the national picture. Across the country, 50% of renters are cost-burdened, including 27% of renters who are severely burdened, according to the report. It's the third consecutive record-setting year. "It's just a monstrous problem," said Victoria Morales, executive director of the Quality Housing Coalition.

Dozens of people, including advocates, formerly unhoused people and social services providers, urged state lawmakers Friday to continue a program meant to help low-income renters stay in their homes.

The Quality Housing Coalition (QHC) proudly announces its Executive Director, Victoria Morales, has been honored with the Maine Association for Public Interest Law's (MAPIL) Excellence in Public Service Award. Presented annually by MAPIL in collaboration with the Maine Justice Foundation, the Maine Trial Lawyers Association, and the University of Maine School of Law, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to public interest law and service to vulnerable populations in Maine. Victoria Morales, who leads QHC in its mission to prevent homelessness and ensure housing stability for low-income individuals and families in Maine, has been at the forefront of addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis. Under her leadership, QHC has provided stable housing to more than 1,200 households and 3,000 individuals through initiatives like Project HOME, a program that partners with landlords to house and stabilize families and individuals in crisis. Before joining QHC, Morales served in the Maine House of Representatives focusing primarily on policies that remove barriers to access to opportunities for low-income people, including housing and criminal justice reform. As an attorney, she has long advocated for low-income Mainers trapped in crisis systems. Her leadership at QHC reflects this deep commitment to justice and equity. “MAPIL could not have selected a better recipient of the Excellence in Service Award than Victoria,” said Neil J. Kiely, CEO of Androscoggin Bank. “She is a dynamic, innovative, and compassionate leader with a long track record not only of public service but serving as a truly effective change agent. She contributes at every level, from positively shifting the arc of individual lives to strategically advocating for system change. Maine is fortunate to count her as one of our own.” "I am deeply honored to receive this award," said Victoria Morales. "It is a reflection not just of my own efforts, but of the critical collective work being done by the team at the Quality Housing Coalition, our partners, and countless advocates across Maine. Ensuring everyone has access to safe, stable housing is fundamental—and I’m proud to stand with those working every day to make that a reality for all Mainers." This recognition highlights the essential link between legal advocacy, public policy, and direct action in addressing complex challenges like housing insecurity. About Quality Housing Coalition (QHC): The Quality Housing Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving housing stability and quality of life for low-income adults and children in Maine. QHC provides resources, direct assistance, and advocacy to address immediate housing crises and promote systemic change for long-term housing security. Learn more at qualityhousingcoalition.org. About MAPIL: The Maine Association for Public Interest Law (MAPIL) is a student organization at the University of Maine School of Law dedicated to promoting careers in public interest law and supporting students pursuing these vital paths.