Lewiston Housing is pleased to announce the opening of a separate waiting list for the HUD Mainstream Voucher Program. This program provides Housing Choice Vouchers specifically for non-elderly adults with disabilities who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In accordance with recent HUD guidance (Notice PIH 2024-30), Lewiston Housing has established a dedicated Mainstream Voucher waiting list separate from the general Section 8/HCV waiting list.

The Mainstream Voucher waiting list is open and will remain open indefinitely, subject to further notice. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis; there is no deadline or closing date at this time.

Eligibility and Program Information

Who is Eligible: The Mainstream Voucher Program serves non-elderly persons with disabilities, generally defined as individuals or families with at least one disabled household member aged 18 to 61, consistent with HUD’s program guidelines. Eligible applicants typically include people with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or institutionalization, as the program’s goal is to help these individuals and families live independently in the community. All applicants must also meet standard Housing Choice Voucher income and background eligibility criteria.

Separate Waiting List: Please note that this Mainstream Voucher waiting list is independent from the Maine Centralized Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. Being on the general Section 8 waiting list (Maine Centralized Waitlist) does not automatically include you on the Mainstream list. If you are interested in a Mainstream Voucher, you must submit a new application to this separate waiting list, even if you are already on the regular Section 8 waiting list. (Current applicants on the Maine Centralized list will NOT be automatically transferred to the Mainstream list.)

Preference for Referrals: Lewiston Housing will give admissions preference to applicants referred directly through the Maine State Continuum of Care (MCoC) or its partner agencies. This means that individuals and families referred by the Maine Continuum of Care’s coordinated entry system or affiliated supportive service agencies will receive priority placement on the waiting list. This referral preference aligns with HUD’s guidance encouraging partnerships with health care and disability service agencies to support community living.

Note: The referral preference does not limit eligibility to any one type of disability; referrals are accepted for any qualified non-elderly disabled applicants, in compliance with HUD requirements.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply for the Mainstream Voucher Program as follows:

Online Application: Complete and submit the application online. The online application is the quickest and most convenient way to apply.

Paper Application: If you are unable to apply online, you may request a paper application. To request a paper application form, please contact Lewiston Housing at info@lewistonhousing.org or call our office at (207) 783-1423. Paper applications can be mailed to you. Completed paper applications must be returned to Lewiston Housing, PO Box 361, Lewiston, ME 04243, or faxed to (207) 783-8648.

Reasonable Accommodations: Lewiston Housing is committed to ensuring equal access to the application process for all individuals. If you or a family member has a disability and needs a reasonable accommodation to apply or communicate with us, please let us know. Examples of accommodations may include assisting with completing the application, providing the application in an alternate format, or arranging a sign language interpreter. To request a disability-related accommodation, contact us at info@lewistonhousing.org or (207) 783-1423 as soon as possible. Lewiston Housing will make every effort to accommodate your needs so that you can successfully apply for the program.

Important: Submitting an application does not guarantee placement in the program or an immediate voucher. All applications will be placed on the waiting list in accordance with Lewiston Housing’s Administrative Plan policies and any applicable preferences. When a voucher becomes available, Lewiston Housing will contact the next eligible applicant on the Mainstream waiting list. Make sure to keep your contact information up to date with Lewiston Housing after applying.

Contact Information

For more information about the Mainstream Voucher waiting list or application process, please contact Lewiston Housing Authority:

• Email: info@lewistonhousing.org
• Phone: (207) 783-1423
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (except holidays)

If you have questions about your eligibility, need help with the application, or require a reasonable accommodation, our staff will be happy to assist you. You may also visit our website for general information on our programs and to find the link to the online application.

Fair Housing and Accessibility

Lewiston Housing Authority is committed to Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, familial status (presence of children), disability, receipt of public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. Equal housing opportunity is the law.

In accordance with the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Lewiston Housing will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities when necessary to ensure equal access to our housing programs and services. If you or anyone in your household has a disability and needs an accommodation during the application process or while participating in the program, please contact us to request assistance. All information relating to disability status will be kept confidential.

Lewiston Housing Authority is an Equal Housing Opportunity agency. We strive to ensure that our housing programs are accessible and open to all qualified individuals. This waiting list opening and all related procedures will be conducted in compliance with HUD regulations and guidance, including Notice PIH 2024-30, which has empowered PHAs to better serve people with disabilities through program adjustments.