Office named for community leader

SOUTH PORTLAND — The South Portland Housing Authority on June 12 named its new office space, located on the first floor of 100 Waterman Drive, in honor of Dr. Frank Morong, a longtime member and past chairman of its governing board.

Now known as the “Dr. Frank S. Morong Affordable Housing Center,” the site houses both executive and administrative offices for the SPHA, as well as space for housing-related training programs offered through RifME, another nonprofit on site.

A bronze plaque has been installed recognizing Dr. Morong’s 20 years on the housing authority’s board of commissioners.

“It is a tremendous honor for the South Portland Housing Authority to recognize Dr. Morong’s service to our residents and our community,” said Executive Director Michael Hulsey. 

“Dr. Frank S. Morong is a dedicated community volunteer,” agreed board Chairman Kevin Glynn. “His long record of service to the city of South Portland and the residents of South Portland Housing Authority is exceptional. We are so fortunate to have someone with his experience on our board.”

The housing authority owns 346 affordable housing units in South Portland designated for elderly, disabled and handicapped residents, along with managing another 172 units. For many of these, residents pay a maximum of 30 percent of their income for rent. It also administers 389 Section 8 vouchers that subsidize market rents to private landlords. The group’s Betsy Ross House provides as additional 123 units for residents ages 62 and older, with both subsidized and market-priced apartments.