Press Release: LGBTQ+ and Allied Organizations Get a New Home in Portland, Significant Renovations Required for Occupancy

PORTLAND – The Equality Community Center (ECC) has purchased 15 Casco St. in Portland. Once renovated, the building will serve as a permanent home for LGBTQ+ and allied organizations and community. The organization will immediately begin fundraising for essential renovations and repairs required for occupancy and accessibility. 

The purchase follows the Equality Community Center’s residence at 511 Congress St. in Portland for over five years. During those five years, the ECC hosted more than 1,500 events and welcomed over 7,000 visits from LGBTQ+ community members, families, and allies. The Equality Community Center’s relocation to 15 Casco St. aligns with its vision for a full spectrum community center in the heart of Portland that houses LGBTQ+ and allied organizations; provides socialization support and health services; and, in the future, will offer affordable and market-rate rental housing. 

“Being a part of this terrific project has been personally very exciting,” says Barb Wood, Equality Community Center Board Chair and Maine State Representative District #38. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank our donors, our supporters, and our volunteers. They have all helped us hold the vision and carry the dream. 15 Casco will be a place where everyone is invited, and it will provide unprecedented and meaningful access for all.”

Currently, the ECC houses five organizations that serve LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the state: EqualityMaine, Pride Portland!, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), PFLAG (supports families and friends of LGBTQ+ people), MaineTransNet, and Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) – a program of Equality Maine. Most recently, the ECC partnered with Candy’s to provide space and programming that serves queer and allied people. With the move to 15 Casco St., the ECC will expand and welcome additional allied justice-seeking organizations and businesses.

The purchase of 15 Casco St. was facilitated by a visionary $1M gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, by gifts from several major donors, and with the ongoing investment of loyal contributors. Now, extensive renovations to the building are required to ensure universal design standards are met and full accessibility is provided for all. The Equality Community Center’s Board of Directors is fully engaged and seeking financial support from all who share the vision for a community center for LGBTQ+ and allied justice-seeking organizations to benefit all Mainers.