The Stella Maris House, a senior affordable housing complex situated in the North Shore area of Miami Beach, will reopen its waitlist on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This announcement was made by Catholic Housing Management (CHM), the organization responsible for managing the property.
The process involves 600 preliminary applications distributed across six categories, rather than 600 immediately available units. These slots are allocated as follows: 200 for standard studios, 200 for standard one-bedroom apartments, 50 for mobility-accessible studios, 50 for mobility-accessible one-bedroom apartments, 50 for studios adapted for hearing or visual impairments, and 50 for one-bedroom apartments with similar adaptations.
Eligibility requires applicants to be aged 62 or older. However, the opening notice specifies that individuals under 62 with mobility disabilities may also apply if space permits. There is a noted discrepancy: while CHM's general site information includes hearing or visual disabilities as criteria for those under 62, the specific opening notice only mentions mobility. Those with questions regarding their eligibility should contact management before applying.
This program operates under Project-Based Section 8, meaning the subsidy is tied to the apartment rather than the tenant. There is no minimum income requirement.
The maximum annual income allowed is $47,700 for one person and $54,500 for two people, which corresponds to 50% of the median income for the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall metropolitan area, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) limits in effect since May 2026. Rent in HUD-subsidized communities is typically calculated at 30% of the resident's adjusted income, though the exact amount should be confirmed with management.
Pre-application must be completed exclusively online through the Catholic Housing Management website by following the path: Stella Maris > Application Details > Preliminary Application. No forms will be available at the building on the opening day. As of verification, the form was not yet active on the website but will be accessible starting November 4.
Placement on the list is determined by the date and time the pre-application is submitted. The list will close once the target numbers are met or the announcement period ends, whichever comes first. CHM will inform applicants of their application's status—approved or denied—within 14 to 30 days after submission. An approved pre-application does not guarantee immediate housing; it is the first step to verifying eligibility before entering the formal list.
Those requiring reasonable accommodations to complete the process can call 305-865-6841 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or email housing@chsfla.com.
Located at 8638 Harding Avenue, Stella Maris House features 137 studio and one-bedroom apartments, free transportation services provided by the City of Miami, a computer room, and a gym, all just a few blocks from the ocean.
This opportunity is particularly significant in the current high-demand context: rental prices in Miami are rising again this month, while subsidized housing for low-income seniors remains scarce in South Florida.
Additionally, in October, Miami-Dade revised its Section 8 rules, introducing a point preference system that awards 25 points to households with individuals aged 62 or older, potentially benefiting those entering waitlists like Stella Maris in the coming months.
Key Questions About Stella Maris Senior Housing
Who can apply for housing at Stella Maris House?
Applicants must be 62 years or older. Individuals under 62 with mobility disabilities may apply if space is available.
What is the income eligibility for Stella Maris House?
The maximum annual income allowed is $47,700 for one person and $54,500 for two people, aligning with 50% of the median income for the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall area.
How is the rent calculated at Stella Maris House?
Rent is generally calculated as 30% of the resident's adjusted income, though the precise amount should be confirmed with management.