Mount Desert Housing Authority
Mount Desert, Maine
Last Updated
22 hours ago
About Mount Desert Housing Authority
The Mount Desert Housing Authority (PHA Code: ME024) serves Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine, managing approximately 18 assisted housing units. The authority currently accepts applications for its Public Housing, Rural Development, and Rural Development Program waitlists. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist recently reopened and is also accepting new applications.
Income eligibility is a key requirement for these programs. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Hancock County, ME area must have an income at or below $48,200 per year. Interested applicants should contact the Mount Desert Housing Authority directly to inquire about specific program details, current availability, and application procedures.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Preference is given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities. Income limits apply.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Mail, Phone, In-person
Additional Notes
Preference is given to elders, families, veterans, and those with verifiable disabilities. Income limits apply.
Rural Development Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Phone, Email, Mail
Additional Notes
Applies to 1 and 2 bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Income limits apply.
Rural Development Program Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program offers 1 and 2 bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Income limits apply.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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 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.
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.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 4 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing, Rural Development, Rural Development Program). 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
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
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
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.
Public Housing Public Housing open
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.
Rural Development open
The Rural Development 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 Program open
The Rural Development Program 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher 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.
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.