What Westbrook Housing Authority does and how to reach them
Westbrook Housing Authority is a local public agency that manages public housing units and rental vouchers in Westbrook, Maine. They own and operate apartment buildings for low-income residents and administer the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which helps tenants pay rent in privately-owned units. The authority also maintains waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers.
You can reach Westbrook Housing Authority by phone at (207) 854-9211 or by visiting their office at 4 Saco Street, Westbrook, Maine 04092. Their office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours. You can also ask your local 211 service (dial 211 or visit maine211.org) for current contact information and program details.
Key Takeaways
- Westbrook Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents in the Westbrook area.
- Both public housing and voucher programs maintain waiting lists that can be months or years long, depending on current demand.
- You must meet income limits set by the federal government to be considered for either program; limits vary by household size.
- The authority requires proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check before approval.
- Contact them directly at (207) 854-9211 to ask whether they are currently accepting new applications.
Public housing apartments managed by Westbrook Housing Authority
Westbrook Housing Authority owns and operates apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of gross monthly income. These are not temporary programs — once you move in, you can stay as long as you meet program rules and income limits. The authority maintains a waiting list for these units, and the wait time depends on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you.
To be considered for public housing, you must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Cumberland County. For a single person, this is roughly $50,000 to $55,000 per year (the exact figure changes annually). For a family of four, the limit is roughly $71,000 to $79,000. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. The authority will review your rental history and criminal history. Having an eviction or felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the authority will consider the details and timing.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through Westbrook Housing Authority
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent in a privately-owned apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the authority pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.
Westbrook Housing Authority's voucher waiting list is typically closed, meaning they are not accepting new requests at this time. Call (207) 854-9211 to ask whether the list has reopened. When it does open, applications are usually accepted for a limited period — sometimes a few weeks or months — and then the list closes again. Getting on the list does not mean you will receive a voucher soon; waits can be several years.
Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing. You must also meet the same citizenship and background check requirements. The authority will verify your income, check your rental history, and review any criminal history before issuing a voucher.
Documents you will need to bring or send
When you contact Westbrook Housing Authority to ask about programs or to submit information, have these documents ready or available to send:
- Photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return)
- Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days) or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly rate or salary
- Most recent tax return (federal Form 1040 or state return)
- Bank statements or proof of other income (unemployment, disability, child support, pension)
- Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or employment authorization document)
If you are currently homeless or do not have a permanent address, call the authority and ask what documents you can provide instead. They may accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency.
What happens after you submit your information
Once you submit your information, Westbrook Housing Authority will verify your income, check your background, and review your rental history. This process typically takes two to four weeks. The authority will contact you by phone or mail to let you know whether you have been approved, denied, or placed on a waiting list.
If you are approved for public housing, you will be added to the waiting list in order of the date you applied (unless you have a local preference, such as being homeless or living in substandard housing, which may move you higher on the list). The authority will call you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size.
If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you will be added to the waiting list. When your name reaches the top and a voucher becomes available, the authority will contact you and give you a important date to find a unit. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to locate an apartment, have the landlord agree to accept the voucher, and have the authority inspect the unit.
Income limits and rent calculations
Federal law sets income limits for public housing and Section 8 based on the area median income for your county. Westbrook is in Cumberland County, and limits are updated each year in April. The limits below are approximate and may have changed; call the authority for the current year's limits.
| Household Size | Approximate Income Limit (80% AMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $50,000–$55,000 |
| 2 people | $57,000–$63,000 |
| 3 people | $64,000–$71,000 |
| 4 people | $71,000–$79,000 |
| 5 people | $77,000–$85,000 |
In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If you earn $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. If your income drops, your rent drops with it. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave, though the authority usually gives you time to transition.
In Section 8, the voucher covers the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area. If the fair market rent for a one-bedroom is $1,200 and you earn $2,000 per month, the voucher would cover $1,200 minus $600 (30 percent of your income), or $600. You pay $600 out of pocket.
What to do if you are denied or placed on a waiting list
If Westbrook Housing Authority denies your request, they must provide a reason in writing. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to pass the background check, or an eviction or serious lease violation in your rental history. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Ask the authority for their hearing procedures and important date.
If you are placed on a waiting list, ask the authority how many people are ahead of you and what the typical wait time is. This varies widely depending on how many units or vouchers become available each year. Some waiting lists move quickly; others take years. You can ask to be removed from the list at any time, and you can reapply if the list reopens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westbrook Housing Authority have units available right now?
Call (207) 854-9211 to ask whether they are currently accepting applications for public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Availability changes frequently, and waiting lists open and close depending on funding and turnover.
What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?
A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The authority considers the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have shown a pattern of change. Call and ask whether your specific situation would likely result in denial, or submit your information and let the authority make the information.
Can I stay in public housing or Section 8 permanently?
Yes. Public housing and Section 8 are long-term programs, not temporary information. You can stay as long as your income remains at or below the program limit and you follow lease rules. If your income rises above the limit, the authority will give you time to find other housing before you must leave.
How long does it take to get approved?
Verification and background checks typically take two to four weeks. After approval, the wait for an actual unit or voucher depends on the waiting list. This can range from a few months to several years, depending on how many units or vouchers are available and how many people are ahead of you.
What if I cannot afford the documents they are asking for?
Call the authority and explain your situation. If you do not have a birth certificate or Social Security card, ask what alternative documents they will accept. If you are homeless or in crisis, local social service agencies and 211 can help you locate free or low-cost document services.