Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Ellsworth Housing Authority

Ellsworth Housing Authority (HUD agency code ME027) is the public housing agency serving Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine. It administers 50 public housing units and 382 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 7 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Public Housing, Rural Development, HCV, PBV. As of Jun 22, 2026, 5 are open and 2 are closed.

Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Hancock County, ME area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $48,200 per year, and as Low Income at or below $77,100 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.

Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 34 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 29, 2026.

Other Programs Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 30, 2026

How to Apply

Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This Rural Development program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units, and income limits apply. Contact Theresa at (207) 288-4770 EXT. 127 or thodgdon@mdieha.org.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 25, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Preference is given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities; applicants must have income not exceeding 50% of the median income. Declining two invitations will purge the application from the waitlist.

USDA Rural Development Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 30, 2026

How to Apply

Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units, and income limits apply.

Beechcliff Apartments

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 30, 2026

How to Apply

Phone

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units. Contact Theresa at (207) 288-4770 EXT. 127 or thodgdon@mdieha.org.

Rural Development - Beechcliff Apartments

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 30, 2026

How to Apply

Phone

Additional Notes

This program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units, and income limits apply. Contact Theresa at (207) 288-4770 EXT. 127 or thodgdon@mdieha.org.

Other Programs

2 programs

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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Eligibility is generally based on income below 50% of the Area Median Income, family size, and citizenship status, with preferences given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program remains closed to new applicants.

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

Status History

HCV Closed 6 days ago
HCV Opened Sep 27, 2026
HCV Closed Sep 19, 2026
HCV Opened Sep 14, 2026
Public Housing Opened Sep 8, 2026
Public Housing Closed Sep 4, 2026
HCV Closed Aug 22, 2026
HCV Opened Aug 20, 2026
HCV Closed Aug 16, 2026
HCV Opened Jul 27, 2026
HCV Closed Jul 23, 2026
HCV Opened Jul 20, 2026
HCV Closed Jul 16, 2026
HCV Opened Jul 9, 2026
Public Housing Opened Jul 8, 2026
Public Housing Closed Jul 4, 2026
HCV Closed Jul 2, 2026
HCV Opened Jun 22, 2026
HCV Closed Jun 20, 2026
HCV Opened May 23, 2026

Official Application

Contact Ellsworth Housing Authority directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 430 Water St
City Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone
(207) ███-████
Email
██████@mdieha.org
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 5 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Public Housing, USDA Rural Development Housing). 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

Contact Ellsworth Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

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

Other Other Programs open

The Other Programs 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.

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 USDA Rural Development Housing open

The USDA Rural Development Housing 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.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

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.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) 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 5 programs (Other Programs, Public Housing, USDA Rural Development Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (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 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 September 29, 2026 when the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) list changed from "open" to "closed." 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?
Ellsworth Housing Authority's direct phone number and email address are listed in the contact panel on this page. Their office is located at 430 Water St, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Unlock the contact details to see them. 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.