MDI and Ellsworth Housing Authorities offers two affordable housing programs for qualified applicants.

Public Housing Program
The Public Housing Program was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The combined authorities own 315 units of housing. We preserve our aging housing stock through timely maintenance and modernization of the buildings.

Who is eligible? Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. The Housing Authority determines eligibility based on: 1) annual gross income; 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you are eligible, the HA will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants. Tenants pay 30% of their income for rent and utilities.

Section 8 Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides funding for rent subsidies for eligible families. Families may select housing of their choice in Hancock County from a landlord willing to participate in the program. Rental subsidy allows families to pay a reasonable share of their income toward rent and utilities with the remainder paid by the Housing Authority. Participants are required by federal law to submit household income documentation to determine continued eligibility in the program. An annual inspection is conducted by the Housing Authority inspector to insure compliance with HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.