Raise-Op Housing Cooperative

Founded in 2008, The Raise-Op Housing Cooperative is a 501c3 organization that develops and supports cooperatively owned and democratically controlled, majority low-income urban housing in Lewiston, Maine. We believe that housing is a human right, and should be controlled by the community it serves. We are dedicated to supporting members with a diverse range of needs. 

The Raise-Op currently owns and operates three multi-family buildings in the downtown neighborhoods of Lewiston. They are occupied by our 15 members and their families; a community of about 50 people. We are currently implementing a strategic plan to add at least 15  new construction residential units designed by our members by year end 2022. Our goal is to increase the amount of safe and affordable, long-term, community-controlled affordable housing via empowered and collective ownership.