Southern Maine Agency on Aging is thrilled to announce that its Housing Connections pilot program received a USAging 2025 Aging Innovations Award, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. Housing Connections, which helps older adults stay safely housed by connecting them with legal support, and other critical resources, was among 15 local aging programs to receive Innovations honors during USAging’s 50th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 20–23 in Chicago, IL.
The 2025 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes Agencies on Aging that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults and family caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.
“At USAging, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the 2025 Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients—especially as we mark the 50th anniversary of USAging and our Annual Conference and Tradeshow,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “These award-winning programs exemplify the creativity, dedication and impact that define our Aging Network. They are not only improving the lives of older adults and caregivers today, but also shaping a stronger, more supportive future for aging in every community across the country.”
Supported by a number of local corporate and Foundation partners in Maine, Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Housing Connections program addresses housing needs by helping individuals remain safely in their homes or navigate the search for new housing when needed. Through a strategic partnership with Legal Services for Maine Elders, the program combines legal support and personalized resource navigation to prevent eviction, reduce housing insecurity, and improve quality of life. By serving as a trusted connector between clients and community services, Housing Connections ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to stable, affordable housing and the supports necessary to age with dignity and independence.
“At a time when older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, our Housing Connections pilot program is critical,” said Megan Walton, CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. “Too many people who’ve worked hard their whole lives are now facing housing insecurity simply because the cost of living has outpaced their resources and the supply of affordable housing hasn’t kept up. Through Housing Connections, we’re bridging the gap – connecting older adults to the legal, financial, and community supports they need to remain safely housed. It’s a lifeline for those caught in the middle.”
The 2025 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including caregiving, community planning and livable communities, health–social care integration, healthy aging, housing and homelessness, information and referral/assistance, intergenerational programs, nutrition, social engagement, and workforce development and volunteerism.
All winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.
