Mount Desert Housing Authority
Mount Desert, Maine
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Mount Desert Housing Authority
Mount Desert Housing Authority (HUD agency code ME024) is the public housing agency serving Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine. It administers 18 public housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 5 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Rural Development, HCV, PBV, Public Housing. As of Apr 30, 2026, 2 are open and 3 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 9 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 2, 2026.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
USDA Rural Development Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Available for 1 and 2-bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments, Southwest Harbor, Maine; income limits apply.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
Preferences are given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities; income and citizenship requirements apply, and a background check is required.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
Preferences are given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities that meet Social Security Administration or HUD definitions; income limits apply.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Mount Desert Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Mount Desert Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Mount Desert Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Other Programs, USDA Rural Development Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Mount Desert 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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Mount Desert Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Mount Desert Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Mount Desert Housing Authority manages approximately 18 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Mount Desert. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Mount Desert Housing Authority
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Mount Desert Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Mount Desert. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rural Development USDA Rural Development Housing open
The USDA Rural Development Housing program at Mount Desert Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Mount Desert. 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 Mount Desert 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 Mount Desert. 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 Mount Desert Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Mount Desert. 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.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Mount Desert Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Mount Desert Housing Authority manages approximately 18 Public Housing units in Mount Desert. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Mount Desert Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Mount Desert Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Mount Desert Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Mount Desert Housing Authority?
Mount Desert Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Mount Desert 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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Mount Desert Housing Authority — including across state lines.