How To Get Low Income Housing With No Waiting List in Maine

The article explores an innovative low income housing with no waiting list in Maine that offers immediate relief to individuals and families in need of affordable rental housing. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers financial housing assistance to local housing agencies responsible for managing these housing units, ensuring that they are accessible to low-income residents at affordable rental rates.

HUD-associated rental housing and Housing Choice Voucher program also offers flexible options for individuals in selecting suitable rental properties.

Unlike traditional programs with long waiting lists, Maine low income housing initiative aims to break down barriers and provide streamlined access to stable homes for eligible applicants.

The local public housing agency, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Community Affairs, is reshaping the housing landscape. Eligible candidates get rental assistance in the form of fair market rent by the local housing authorities backed by funding from HUD.

Through personal stories and experiences, it showcases the positive difference this housing model has made in the lives of those it has helped, promising hope and empowerment for low household income residents in the state.

Eligibility Criteria to get Low Income Housing in Maine

Maine Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring that every individual and family admitted to the program meets all program eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the program the applicant’s family must:

Maine housing development authority determines your Applicant eligibility based on:

1. Annual gross income assessment
2. Determination of applicant’s eligibility based on factors such as age (elderly), disability status, or family status
3. Verification of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status

If you are eligible, the Maine Housing Authority will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants.

Maine Housing Authority Application Process

The Maine Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring that all individuals and families admitted to the program fulfill the necessary eligibility criteria. To be considered eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrating an annual gross income within the specified limits.
• Qualifying as either elderly, a person with a disability, or a family.
• Holding U.S. citizenship or possessing eligible immigration status.

Once deemed eligible, the Maine Housing Authority will conduct reference checks to determine if the applicant and their family would be suitable tenants. 

Step-by-Step Process To Find Public Housing in Maine

To apply for Public Housing, make a visit to your Public Local Housing Authority (PHA) and complete the application form. You will be required to provide the following information:

1. Your current address and phone number.
2. Information about your current and previous landlords, which will be used to assess your family’s suitability as a tenant.
3. An estimate of your family’s income for the next twelve months.
4. Details about the sources of your income.
5. Information about your current and past employers to verify your income and any deductions.
6. Bank account statements.
7. The names and relationships of everyone who will be living in the housing unit.
8. Any relevant family characteristics, such as veteran status.
9. Information about your family circumstances, such as living in substandard housing, may impact tenant selection eligibility.
10. Social security numbers of all household members, as required.

Income Limit for Maine Housing Authority

To qualify for Public Housing Authority assistance, your household must meet specific net and gross income limits determined by the size of your household. These income limits can vary depending on the state you reside in.

Persons in Family/Household	Gross Monthly Income	Net Monthly Income
1	$1,383	$1,064
2	$1,868	$1,437
3	$2,353	$1,810
4	$2,839	$2,184
5	$3,324	$2,557
6	$3,809	$2,930
7	$4,295	$3,304
8	$4,780	$3,677

House Apartment & Lease Information

The Housing Authority Apartments offer rental assistance to qualifying households under Section 8 programs. Eligibility to qualify for low income apartments is akin to voucher programs, with varying open waiting lists and application policies depending on the landlord. 

A legally binding lease agreement outlines tenant rights and responsibilities, and tenants are advised to keep it with important documents.

Rent Information & Guidelines

Rent for Maine housing authority properties is due on the 1st of each month and considered delinquent after the 7th. Failure to pay on time can impact future assistance eligibility. 

Four payment methods are available: in-person at the main office with checks or cards, authorized banks, or online via the housing authority portal. For inquiries, tenants can reach out to their manager or the housing authority’s phone number.

Guidelines For Home Cleaning

Tenants are responsible for maintaining their homes and promptly reporting any repair needs. Trash disposal must be done properly to avoid creating messes for neighbors. 

A cleanup fee will be charged for improper trash disposal. Any damages to the house are the tenant’s responsibility to repair. Modifications or decorations like wallpaper or tiles are not allowed, and removal of such items will incur charges.

Maine Housing Authority By Counties

The Maine Housing Authority operates at the county level to ensure that low income families have access to safe and affordable housing programs. Each county has specialized offices with housing experts familiar with local needs. 

This approach allows for tailored solutions and collaboration with communities. By distributing resources efficiently and promoting community involvement, the Housing Authority works towards enhancing housing opportunities and building stronger communities across the state.

Let us help you browse different local housing authorities present across various counties of Maine.

Housing Authorities In Aroostook County

Fort Fairfield Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 5 Hillcrest Est, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
• Phone No: (207) 472-3093
• Map: Get Directions

The Fort Fairfield Housing Authority in Fort Fairfield, ME, manages public housing in Aroostook County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Van Buren Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 130 Champlain Street, Van Buren, ME 04785
• Phone No: (207) 868-5441
• Map: Get Directions

The Van Buren Housing Authority in Van Buren, ME, manages public housing in Aroostook County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Houlton Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 13 Clover Court, Houlton, ME 04730
• Phone No: (207) 532-7637
• Map: Get Directions

The Houlton Housing Authority in Houlton, ME, manages public housing in Aroostook County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Androscoggin County

Auburn Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 20 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, ME 04210
• Phone No: (207) 784-7351
• Map: Get Directions

The Auburn Housing Authority in Auburn, ME, manages public housing in Androscoggin County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Lewiston Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 1 College Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
• Phone No: (207) 783-1423
• Map: Get Directions

The Lewiston Housing Authority in Lewiston, ME, manages public housing in Androscoggin County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Cumberland County

South Portland Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 51 Landry Circle, South Portland, ME 04106
• Phone No: (207) 773-7348
• Map: Get Directions

The South Portland Housing Authority in South Portland, ME, manages public housing in Cumberland County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Portland Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 57 Riverton Drive, Portland, ME 04103
• Phone No: (207) 797-7215
• Map: Get Directions

The Portland Housing Authority in Portland, ME, manages public housing in Cumberland County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Brunswick Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 51 Perryman Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011
• Phone No: (207) 729-2648
• Map: Get Directions

The Brunswick Housing Authority in Brunswick, ME, manages public housing in Cumberland County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Franklin County

According to available information, Franklin County does not have a housing authority.

Housing Authorities In Hancock County

Southwest Harbor Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: S Harbor Me, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
• Phone No: (207) 244-7896
• Map: Get Directions

The Southwest Harbor Housing Authority in Southwest Harbor, ME, manages public housing in Hancock County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Bar Harbor Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 80 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Phone No: (207) 288-4770
• Map: Get Directions

The Bar Harbor Housing Authority in Bar Harbor, ME, manages public housing in Hancock County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Ellsworth Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 430 Water Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
• Phone No: (207) 667-9705
• Map: Get Directions

The Ellsworth Housing Authority in Ellsworth, ME, manages public housing in Hancock County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Kennebec County

Augusta Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: # 3, 33 Union St, Augusta, ME 04330
• Phone No: (207) 626-2357
• Map: Get Directions

The Augusta Housing Authority in Augusta, ME, manages public housing in Kennebec County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Waterville Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 88 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901
• Phone No: (207) 873-2155
• Map: Get Directions

The Waterville Housing Authority in Waterville, ME, manages public housing in Kennebec County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Maine State Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330
• Phone No: (207) 623-2986
• Map: Get Directions

The Maine State Housing Authority in Augusta, ME, manages public housing in Kennebec County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Knox County

According to available information, Knox County does not have a housing authority.

Housing Authorities In Oxford County

According to available information, Oxford County does not have a housing authority.

Housing Authorities In Penobscot County

Brewer Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 15 Colonial Circle, Brewer, ME 04412
• Phone No: (207) 989-7551
• Map: Get Directions

The Brewer Housing Authority in Brewer, ME, manages public housing in Penobscot County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Orrington Elderly Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: CENTER Dr, Orrington, ME 04474
• Phone No: (207) 825-4596
• Map: Get Directions

The Orrington Elderly Housing Authority in Orrington, ME, manages public housing in Penobscot County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Bangor Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 161 Davis Road, Bangor, ME 04401
• Phone No: (207) 942-6365
• Map: Get Directions

The Bangor Housing Authority in Bangor, ME, manages public housing in Penobscot County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Old Town Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 165 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468
• Phone No: (207) 827-6151
• Map: Get Directions

The Old Town Housing Authority in Old Town, ME, manages public housing in Penobscot County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Housing Authorities In Somerset County

According to available information, Somerset County does not have a housing authority.

Housing Authorities In Washington County

According to available information, Washington County does not have a housing authority.

Housing Authorities In York County

Biddeford Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 22 South Street, Biddeford, ME 04005
• Phone No: (207) 282-6537
• Map: Get Directions

The Biddeford Housing Authority in Biddeford, ME, manages public housing in York County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Sanford Housing Authority

Key Info:

• Address: 114 Emery Street, Sanford, ME 04073
• Phone No: (207) 324-2178
• Map: Get Directions

The Sanford Housing Authority in Sanford, ME, manages public housing in York County. It oversees low-income housing, including applications, eligibility guidelines, and related resources.

Final Thoughts

In the quest for affordable housing, Maine stands as a shining example of possibility. As we’ve delved into the strategies and avenues to secure low-income housing with no waiting list in this great state, it becomes evident that hope is not a distant dream but a tangible reality.

The keys to unlocking this opportunity lie in diligence, research, and leveraging available resources. By adhering to these principles, individuals and families can navigate the landscape of housing in Maine with optimism and confidence.

In this pursuit, we have uncovered a pathway towards stability and security, and together, we can ensure that the promise of a safe, affordable home in Maine becomes a reality for all who seek it.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between subsidized housing and low-income housing in Maine?

Subsidized housing in Maine typically involves government assistance, where a portion of the rent is covered for eligible tenants. Low-income housing, on the other hand, generally refers to housing units with rents set at or below a certain percentage of the area’s median income. 

Getting into low-income housing with no waiting list means you won’t have to wait for an extended period to secure affordable housing.

Q2. Is there a centralized waiting list for low-income housing in Maine?

Yes, in many areas of Maine, there is a centralized waiting list for subsidized housing programs. This list is maintained by local housing authorities or organizations and helps allocate available subsidized housing units to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. 

However, low-income housing with no waiting list is a separate option for those who need immediate housing assistance.

Q3. How is the rent determined for low-income housing in Maine?

In low-income housing, the rent which tenant pays is typically based on a percentage of the tenant’s income. It is designed to be affordable for individuals or families with limited financial means. The specific rent amount may vary depending on the program and eligibility criteria.

Q4. What role does the median income play in qualifying for low-income housing in Maine?

To qualify for low-income housing in Maine, your income must typically fall below a certain percentage of the area’s median income. These income thresholds can vary by location and may be used to determine eligibility for different housing programs. 

It’s essential to check with local housing authorities or organizations to understand the specific income limits for the area you’re interested in.

Q5. How can I secure low-income housing with no waiting list in Maine?

While it’s challenging to find low-income housing with no waiting list, it’s not impossible. You can start by reaching out to local housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, or community agencies that specialize in affordable housing. 

They may be able to provide information on available units or alternative housing solutions that can help you secure housing more quickly.