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Housing & Shelter · Ellsworth

A place to stay,
around Ellsworth.

Find emergency shelters, rental assistance, housing navigation, and help staying in your home in or around Ellsworth.

Find housing help near you

Housing resources around Ellsworth

Local listings and statewide options. Contact the organization before visiting.

  • Shelters

    Emmaus Homeless Shelter

    51 Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605

    25-bed emergency shelter open 24/7, 365 days. Serves single men, women, and families. Also runs a food pantry, clothing closet, and free produce distribution for the community.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Shelter: 24/7. Pantry: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 9-11am. Clothing: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-2pm
    Who this helps
    Adults 18+ in Hancock County experiencing homelessness. Food pantry and clothing open to anyone.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Transitional Housing for Families

    Families First Community Center

    41 North Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605

    Transitional housing program for homeless families with minor children in Hancock and Washington Counties. Provides 12-24 months of supported housing plus life skills training, case management, and childcare.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon-Wed 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Fri 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    Who this helps
    Families with at least one minor child who are experiencing homelessness in Hancock or Washington Counties. Contact the manager for referral and intake process.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Rental help

    Ellsworth General Assistance

    1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth, ME 04605

    City-run safety net program providing emergency assistance with rent, heating fuel, electricity, food, and other basic necessities for Ellsworth residents who have no other resources.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (by appointment)
    Who this helps
    Must be a current Ellsworth resident. Must demonstrate inability to meet basic needs and have exhausted other resources.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Home repair

    Hancock County Habitat for Humanity

    218 Downeast Highway, Ellsworth, ME 04605

    Builds affordable homes and provides homeownership opportunities for Hancock County families earning 30-80% of area median income. Also operates ReStore thrift shop selling donated building materials and furniture.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    ReStore: Wed 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Thu-Sat 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    Who this helps
    Homeownership Program: must demonstrate need for adequate housing, earn 30-80% of Area Median Income, contribute 250 hours of sweat equity, and have lived or worked in Hancock County for at least 6 months.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Rental help

    MDI & Ellsworth Housing Authorities

    80 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

    Combined housing authority serving MDI and Ellsworth with public housing and Section 8 vouchers.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    Who this helps
    Low-income MDI/Ellsworth residents.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Rental help

    MaineHousing

    Statewide support

    Maine's state housing authority administering Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, rental assistance, homeless services, and homebuyer programs. Connects low-income renters with subsidized housing statewide.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Who this helps
    Eligibility varies by program. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are available to very low-income households (generally below 50% of area median income). Rental assistance programs have varying income limits. Apply online or call for specific program requirements.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Free Legal Aid

    Pine Tree Legal Assistance

    Statewide support

    Free civil legal help for low-income Mainers facing eviction, unsafe housing, benefits denials, and other legal problems. Offices in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Augusta, Machias, and Presque Isle.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Call-in: Mon 12–2:30 PM, Tue & Thu 9–11:30 AM
    Who this helps
    Available to Maine residents with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (and below 125% after deductions like housing costs). No charge for services. Free interpreters available for non-English speakers.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Veterans Housing Assistance

    Preble Street Veterans Housing Services

    Statewide support

    Helps veterans and their families find and maintain stable housing across all 16 Maine counties. Offices in Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor. Provides housing search assistance, rapid re-housing, and ongoing case management.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Who this helps
    Available to veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Serves all 16 Maine counties. Military/veteran documentation helpful but call even if you don't have documents. Staff can help verify status.

    Confirm details with the organization.

Listings may include nearby communities. Contact the organization to confirm its current location, hours, and who it serves.

A few questions before you go.

A quick call can help you find the right place and avoid an unnecessary trip.

  1. Is there space for us?

    Ask about current openings, check-in times, and whether the shelter can accommodate your household and pets.

  2. Which application do I need?

    Shelter, rental vouchers, and General Assistance have different application processes. Ask which fits your situation.

  3. Can someone help me stay housed?

    Mention an eviction notice, missed rent, or a shutoff notice when you call. Ask about housing navigation and legal referrals.