We are excited to announce our investment in Rabbit Hole Housing Cooperative (RHH), a forming group-equity housing cooperative in Portland, Maine, that centers affordable, safe, and welcoming housing for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) queer and transgender community. In 2025, RHH is acquiring a local property, marking a significant victory for community-driven housing that addresses the acute housing insecurity faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Led by a diverse steering committee including Organizing Council Chair Anna Roseland, Finance Council Chair Nick Bakelmun, and Membership Council Chair Aquarius Garcelon, Rabbit Hole exemplifies the intersection of cooperative housing expertise and grassroots community organizing that drives meaningful housing justice.
BII’s loan supports RHH’s acquisition of a 7,215 square foot property that will provide housing for up to 8 founding members, with the capacity to expand to serve additional residents.
This project addresses a critical need: according to Advocates for Trans Equality, 20% of all transgender people have been discriminated against for housing, 10% have been evicted due to their gender identity, and nearly 40% experience ongoing housing insecurity—rates far exceeding both the general population and even LGBQ community members. By creating community-controlled housing specifically for queer and transgender individuals, Rabbit Hole directly confronts this systemic discrimination.
“This project empowers us to take ownership in our housing. Through that we expand our capacity to live fulfilling lives and to support our local community. Communal living combines our collective capacity and deepens the connection we have to each other and to the BIPOC trans and queer community in Portland.”
What sets Rabbit Hole apart is their comprehensive approach to cooperative living and community building. Beyond providing housing, the cooperative will serve as a community hub and creative outlet for members and the wider Portland LGBTQ+ community. The governance structure centers democratic decision-making through councils—Organizing, Finance, Membership & Events, and Maintenance—all operating using Sociocracy 3.0 principles that prioritize consensus, transparency, and accountability. With a low share buy-in paid over 12 months, the cooperative ensures accessibility while building collective ownership.
This project represents a powerful example of intentional community building meeting cooperative housing expertise. The 11 founding members—all queer or transgender and majority BIPOC—bring diverse experiences from other cooperative and intentional living communities including COCO Housing Co-op and Dreamship Intentional Community. Members include a banker, construction professionals, a land trust director of operations, a professional mediator, artists across various media, and community organizers—creating a rich foundation of skills and experiences to steward this cooperative.
The Portland property is uniquely suited to RHH’s vision. Originally operated as an Airbnb for over 15 years, the home features 6 large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (8 bathrooms total), with space to convert additional rooms for up to 8-9 bedrooms total while maintaining ample communal areas. Set back from the main road on nearly an acre, the property offers privacy, abundant parking, and proximity to Portland’s amenities.
This collaborative effort is made possible through support from multiple partners, including Cooperative Fund of New England (CFNE), Shared Capital Cooperative, and Coastal Enterprises Inc (CEI). Members are contributing equity, donations, and member loans to cover closing costs, reserves, and initial operating expenses. BII’s investment is a crucial component of this diverse funding coalition that enables RHH to secure permanently affordable, community-controlled housing.
The social impact of this investment extends beyond housing provision. Through RHH’s commitment to economic justice and cooperative principles, this property will remain accessible and democratically controlled by its residents in perpetuity. The cooperative’s governance structure—requiring 80% quorum for decisions and involving all affected members—embodies principles of shared power and collective stewardship. Additionally, the space will host community events and provide artistic outlets, strengthening connections within Portland’s LGBTQ+ community.
Rabbit Hole’s work directly aligns with BII’s mission of building community wealth while serving marginalized communities. In a housing market where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people, face disproportionate housing discrimination and insecurity, this partnership demonstrates how strategic investment can create lasting community stability while empowering residents to shape their housing future on their own terms.
We’re proud to support Rabbit Hole Housing Cooperative as they embark on this essential work of creating affirming, cooperative housing in Portland, ensuring that the queer and transgender community has a place to call home where they can thrive authentically and collectively.
For more information on Rabbit Hole Housing Cooperative, please contact [email protected]