The Equality Community Center (ECC) is a shared workspace that provides office and activist-incubation space for left-of-center LGBT organizations in Portland, Maine. In addition to permanent office space, ECC provides temporary meeting space for other LGBT organizations on a rotating basis. ¹

Background

Equality Community Center was founded in 2018 by a board of directors, including Barbara Wood, ² who is also a founding member of EqualityMaine, one of the largest and oldest LGBT-interest organizations in the state of Maine. ³

ECC, through its Capital Campaign, seeks to construct a 54-unit affordable housing complex for LGBT older adults. ⁴

Finances

In 2019, Equality Community Center received $79,925 in contributions, ⁵ made $44,198 in expenditures, ⁶ and held $45,715 in net assets. ⁷ In addition, through a large-donor contribution, ECC owns the building it operates and uses to house other LGBT organizations. ⁸

Leadership

Christopher O’Connor is the executive director of Equality Community Center. Prior to joining ECC, O’Connor was the development director of EqualityMaine. ⁹

1. “About.” Equality Community Center. https://eccmaine.org/about
2. Bailey, Jordan. “3 Democrats hope to succeed Moonen in House District 38.” Portland Phoenix. June 17, 2020. Accessed October 15, 2023. https://portlandphoenix.me/3-democrats-hope-to-succeed-moonan-in-house-district-38/
3. “Our Story.” EqualityMaine. https://www.equalitymaine.org/our-story
4. “Campaign.” Equality Community Center. https://eccmaine.org/campaign
5. Equality Community Center. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Part I. Line 1.
6. Equality Community Center. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Part I. Line 17.
7. Equality Community Center. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Part I. Line 21.
8. “Our History.” Equality Community Center. https://eccmaine.org/history
9. “Our Team.” Equality Community Center. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://eccmaine.org/team.