Women to Watch: Victoria Morales matching quality housing with those in need
August 7, 2023
Published by Mainebiz | By Alexis Wells
In recent years, Maine’s shortage of affordable and workforce housing has gotten even more challenging as real estate values have soared. Victoria Morales created partnerships between landlords and nonprofit agencies to help house individuals that have experienced homelessness and or housing insecurity. Morales started the Quality Housing Coalition in 2018. She also served as a state representative from 2018 to 2022, representing South Portland. In her time in the Legislature she helped write and pass 16 state laws focused on housing and family safety.
Published by Maine Public | by Nicole Ogrysko
Published by Portland Press Herald by Hannah LaClaire
Chip Curry is a state senator representing District 11 and serves as co-chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Housing and Economic Development. Victoria Morales is the executive director of Project Home, a Maine nonprofit working to expand housing stability and prevent homelessness. Maine is currently facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. While there is a consensus that we must build the 84,000 units of housing needed to stabilize our market, that process is estimated to take 20–30 years. Maine families, seniors, and children living on the brink of displacement cannot wait two decades for a roof over their heads. To prevent a catastrophic surge in homelessness today, Maine must continue to fund and prioritize the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), a statewide initiative that helps renters avoid eviction and remain stably housed.
Peace Mutesi, Director of Economic Opportunity at Quality Housing Coalition, has been named to Mainebiz's 2025 40 Under 40 list. Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes Maine's up-and-coming leaders—the next generation shaping the state and its economy.
