Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Southwest Harbor, Maine
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Southwest Harbor area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Southwest Harbor, Maine and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Southwest Harbor, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Southwest Harbor, Maine
Southwest Harbor, Maine is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Southwest Harbor area. There are also 24 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Southwest Harbor include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Southwest Harbor Housing Authority opened its Rural Development Program waitlist on Jan 30, 2026.
About Housing in Southwest Harbor, Maine
For those seeking affordable housing in Southwest Harbor, Maine, the primary point of contact is the Southwest Harbor Housing Authority. This agency manages several programs designed to assist residents with housing costs. Currently, there are 3 open waiting lists available for different housing programs, while 1 waiting list is closed. The Southwest Harbor area provides approximately 50 assisted housing units in total.
Prospective applicants can find open waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, and Rural Development assistance. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program currently has no open waiting lists. To illustrate income eligibility, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in Hancock County, ME, would have an income limit of $48,200 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. It is important for all applicants to verify their specific income eligibility and program requirements directly with the housing authority.
MaineHousing, the state's housing agency, can also provide valuable statewide information and resources. When preparing to apply, gather all necessary documentation and contact the Southwest Harbor Housing Authority for detailed application procedures and the most current status of their waiting lists.
Housing Authorities in Southwest Harbor
How to Apply for Section 8 in Southwest Harbor
To apply for housing assistance in Southwest Harbor, Maine, submit an application directly to Southwest Harbor Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $48,200/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Southwest Harbor include Rural Development, Rural Development Program, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Southwest Harbor, Maine Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Southwest Harbor, Maine, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Hancock County, ME area. A family of four must earn less than $48,200 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $96,600.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Southwest Harbor use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Southwest Harbor and have active housing programs.