Founded in 2006 by Sister Joanne Roy, Sister Lucille Gardner, and Sister Simonne Janelle, Esther Residence has provided safety, stability, and new beginnings for women in Southern Maine for twenty years. The program became part of Saint Andre Home in 2025, bringing together two ministries with shared roots and a longstanding commitment to supporting people through times of transition.

Since assuming stewardship of Esther Residence, Saint Andre Home has been thoughtfully assessing the program, listening to community partners, and planning for its future while caring for the historic Saco property. That work is now moving forward with renovations to the building’s downstairs common spaces, supported by grants from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation and the City of Biddeford. These improvements will create space for expanded community outreach, gatherings, and supportive services.

Esther Residence is being developed as a Southern Maine hub where people can access practical support, connection, and resources, while Saint Andre Home also works toward reopening the residence’s transitional housing program for women. Together, these efforts carry forward Esther Residence’s legacy of dignity, compassion, and care while expanding the ways the property can serve the community for years to come.