The Chamber was pleased to congratulate the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County at a recent ribbon cutting and open house celebrating the opening of the Gafney Home.

A dream six years in the making became a reality on Monday, September 23, as Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC), cut the ribbon at the historic Gafney Home in Rochester. The event marked the creation of 21 affordable housing units for seniors, transforming the 130-year-old building into a modern, energy-efficient residence.

This milestone was the culmination of a project that began in 2019 when The Gafney Home, after more than 100 years as an assisted living facility, closed its doors. Seizing the opportunity to address the need for affordable senior housing, CAPSC worked with The Gafney Home’s board to transfer ownership of the property, with the goal of preserving the historic home and creating much-needed affordable units.

“This project was a labor of love,” said Betsey Andrews Parker, CEO of CAPSC. “It was marked by triumphs and challenges, but it was the dedication and support of our partners that brought it to life. Affordable housing projects like this require collaboration from multiple stakeholders who share a vision and understand the complexities of tax credit projects.”

Key partners in the project included Evernorth, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, TD Bank, New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Strafford County Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Rochester.
Representatives from New Hampshire’s federal delegation also attended the ceremony, offering congratulations on behalf of Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, as well as Representative Chris Pappas. They recognized the rich history of The Gafney Home and praised CAPSC and its partners for their commitment to preserving the building while ensuring it remains a welcoming home for seniors in need.

The Gafney Home is managed by Alliance Asset Management, with rental prices ranging from $1,085 to $1,350 for a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. Applications are currently being accepted at alliancenh.com.

While this is CAPSC’s first low-income senior housing project, Andrews Parker noted it will not be the last. “Our goal now is to expand,” she said, signaling the organization’s continued commitment to addressing the growing need for affordable senior housing in the region.

In the photo cutting the ribbon is CAPSC CEO, Betsey Andrews Parker along with board members and staff of CAPSC. Also part of the ceremony were federal, state, and city officials, as well as partners, financial supporters and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce.