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1. How do I know if my family (if any) and I are eligible for public housing?

To determine eligibility for public housing, please reference the income limits from HUD, linked below. 

HUD Income Limits

2. How do I apply for public housing?

If you think you are eligible and you are interested in applying for public housing in Portland, you will need to call the Portland Housing Authority administrative office at 207-773-4753, visit, or send a request by mail to:
Portland Housing Authority
14 Baxter Boulevard
Portland, ME 04101

3. Is there a waiting list for public housing?

Yes. When you submit an application it will be checked to make sure it is complete. If it is not, it will be returned to you to finish. When the completed application is returned, your name will be placed on our waiting list in order by date and time of its return and with any preference you might qualify for.

Portland Housing Authority gives preference to applicants on the waiting list who are considered elderly or disabled or a family with minor children.

Placement on the waiting list does not mean you are eligible for public housing. Certification of your eligibility will be done when your name comes to the top of the list.

4. What if I move after applying?

Once you have applied for public housing, be sure to keep in touch with Portland Housing Authority by responding to any letters from the Intake Department and to let them know if any of your information on the application (address, family members) has changed.

5. What happens when my name comes to the top of the waiting list?

When your name comes to the top of the list, you will be contacted by someone in our Intake Department and you will be asked to complete a certification application and submit required documents.

If you are determined to be eligible at that time you will attend a briefing where you will be told all the details about the public housing program and be offered your public housing apartment.

6. What can I do if the waiting list is very long and I may not be helped for a long time?

You may apply for assistance from other local housing authorities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided a list of all of the Housing Authorities in the country and, and 211 Maine has compiled a list of the Housing Authorities of the state of Maine and the towns they cover.

For more information, or to access direct links to either of these services, view our quick links.