Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Maine
Maine has 24 housing authorities managing a combined 200 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 134 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 67%. This data was last verified on Jun 1, 2026.
Maine's affordable housing landscape is managed by 24 housing authorities, overseeing a total of 135 waiting lists across the state. Currently, 77 of these lists are open to new applicants, representing a 57% open rate, while 44 lists are closed. This indicates active opportunities for individuals seeking assistance.
A variety of programs are available to address different housing needs. Public Housing programs have 24 lists, with 17 currently open, offering direct rental assistance. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, often referred to as Section 8, also has 24 lists, with 16 accepting applications. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) are offered through 15 lists, 6 of which are open. Beyond these, applicants can explore options such as LIHTC (5 lists, all open), Rural Development (2 lists, both open), Homeownership (1 list, open), Housing Support Funds (1 list, open), 811 Vouchers (1 list, open), and Moderate Rehabilitation (1 list, open), among others.
For those considering where to apply, specific cities show higher numbers of open lists. Augusta, with 2 housing authorities, has 14 open lists. Brewer offers 7 open lists through its single housing authority, and Bath has 6 open lists. Bangor has 2 open lists, and Bass Harbor also has 2 open lists. MaineHousing, the state housing agency, administers a statewide HCV program that covers most areas of Maine, offering a broad application pathway. It is important to note that Portland and Bangor Housing Authorities operate their programs independently. Recent changes illustrate the dynamic nature of these lists; for example, Ellsworth Housing Authority changed its Public Housing list from closed to open, Maine State Housing Authority in Augusta changed its HCV list from closed to open, and Bath Housing Authority changed an 'other' list from closed to opening soon. Staying informed about such updates is beneficial for prospective applicants.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Maine include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (19 open), Public Housing (18 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (10 open), RAD, Mainstream (1 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Maine right now are Augusta (22), Lewiston (12), Portland (11), Brewer (10), and Westbrook (10) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Bath Housing Authority — PBV
Eligibility Requirements for Maine
To qualify for assistance in Maine, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the MaineHousing.
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Maine legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with MaineHousing to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.