Ellsworth Housing Authority

Ellsworth, Maine

Last Updated

22 hours ago

About Ellsworth Housing Authority

The Ellsworth Housing Authority (PHA Code: ME027) administers assisted housing programs for residents in Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine. The Authority manages approximately 432 assisted housing units, comprising 382 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 50 Public Housing units. Both the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs recently changed status from closed to open, offering new application opportunities.

Currently, the Ellsworth Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and its Public Housing program. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program remains closed to new applicants. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Hancock County, ME area is $48,200 per year. Interested applicants should ensure they meet all program eligibility requirements.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preference for placement is given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities. Income limits apply.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Preference for placement is given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities. Income limits apply.

Rural Development Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for 1 and 2 bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments in Southwest Harbor, ME. Income limits apply.

Other Programs

1 program

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Site-Based Waitlists are currently not accepting applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

Public Housing Opened 4 days ago
HCV Opened 6 days ago
Public Housing Closed Mar 28, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 25, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 23, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 20, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 16, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 13, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Ellsworth Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 430 Water St
City Ellsworth, ME 04605
PHA Code ME027
Section 8 Units 382
Public Housing Units 50

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Ellsworth Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Ellsworth Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing, Rural Development). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Ellsworth Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $48,200/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Ellsworth Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Ellsworth Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Ellsworth Housing Authority manages approximately 432 assisted housing units (382 Section 8, 50 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Ellsworth. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Ellsworth Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Ellsworth Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Ellsworth. This program serves approximately 382 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Ellsworth Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Ellsworth Housing Authority manages approximately 50 Public Housing units in Ellsworth. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Rural Development open

The Rural Development program at Ellsworth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Ellsworth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Ellsworth Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Ellsworth. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Ellsworth Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Ellsworth Housing Authority administers 4 programs (HCV, Public Housing, Rural Development, PBV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 430 Water St, Ellsworth, ME.
How long is the wait at Ellsworth Housing Authority?
Wait times at Ellsworth Housing Authority depend on demand in Ellsworth, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 432 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 3, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Ellsworth Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Ellsworth Housing Authority, including Bar Harbor Housing Authority (14 mi), Mount Desert Housing Authority (14 mi), Southwest Harbor Housing Authority (18 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Maine and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Maine.
How do I contact Ellsworth Housing Authority?
You can reach Ellsworth Housing Authority by phone at (207) 288-4770. Their office is located at 430 Water St, Ellsworth, ME 04605. You can also email them at wbrehm@mdieha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Ellsworth Housing Authority?
Income limits for Ellsworth Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Hancock County, ME (currently $96,600). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $48,200. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Ellsworth Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Ellsworth Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Hancock County, ME. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $48,200. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $20,250 $33,750 $54,000
2 Persons $23,150 $38,600 $61,700
3 Persons $26,650 $43,400 $69,400
4 Persons $32,150 $48,200 $77,100
5 Persons $37,650 $52,100 $83,300
6 Persons $43,150 $55,950 $89,450
7 Persons $48,650 $59,800 $95,650
8 Persons $54,150 $63,650 $101,800
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $96,600 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.