Southwest Harbor Housing Authority
Southwest Harbor, Maine
Last Updated
22 hours ago
About Southwest Harbor Housing Authority
The Southwest Harbor Housing Authority (SWHA) provides affordable housing opportunities in Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine. This authority manages approximately 50 assisted housing units, aiming to support low-income individuals and families in the region.
Currently, the SWHA is accepting applications for several vital housing programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, and the Rural Development program. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is currently closed to new applicants. Individuals interested in applying for these open programs should contact the housing authority directly for specific application instructions and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for programs is based on income and other factors. For example, a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance in the Hancock County, Maine area would need an annual income at or below $48,200. Applicants are encouraged to review the full income guidelines and program requirements to determine their potential eligibility.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Online, Phone, Mail, In-person
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
Phone, Mail, 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, Mail, In-person
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on a waiting list by date and time received for 1 and 2 bedroom units; income limits apply.
Rural Development Program Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 30, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Accepting applications for 1 and 2 bedroom units at Beechcliff Apartments; 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 Voucher (PBV) Site-Based Waitlists are not currently accepting applications.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Southwest Harbor Housing Authority manages approximately 50 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Southwest Harbor. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Southwest Harbor Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor. 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Southwest Harbor Housing Authority manages approximately 50 Public Housing units in Southwest Harbor. 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Southwest Harbor. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rural Development Program open
The Rural Development Program program at Southwest Harbor Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Southwest Harbor. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Southwest Harbor Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Southwest Harbor. 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Southwest Harbor Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Southwest Harbor Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Southwest Harbor Housing Authority?
Southwest Harbor Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor Housing Authority — including across state lines.