More than 5,000 persons with HIV/AIDS and their families will receive housing through $19 million in grants announced by Secretary Martinez on Wednesday. Thousands of other individuals also will receive better access to the services they need as a result of these new grants.

"Providing care to those living with HIV/AIDS must include housing," said Martinez. "This Administration is committed to helping these families not only find a home but receive the services they need to maintain their quality of life."

The grants are part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program that is distributing $277 million to metropolitan areas and states this year. The funding announced on December 4th will help support new programs in 13 states and is expected to generate an additional $40 million from other public and private sources to help provide permanent housing and needed services to persons with HIV/AIDS and their families.

The grants will support 14 local projects, and empower two organizations to provide technical assistance. Earlier this year, Secretary Martinez announced an additional $12 million to fund existing programs that provide permanent housing and services to low-income persons with HIV/AIDS.

Housing assistance and the support services funded by the HOPWA program are a vital part of the comprehensive system of care for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critically important for low-income persons, who have complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments.

Read descriptions of individual awards, by state and community.

Read the full news announcement.

As part of HUD's World AIDS Day Commemoration, HUD will broadcast a video on the HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) program today, Thursday, December 5, 2002, at 1 pm Eastern, 10 am Pacific.

HOPWA funds may be used for a wide range of housing, social services, program planning, and development costs. The video features commentary from HUD clients and from leaders in nonprofit organizations and public agencies who work in partnership with HUD to make HOPWA and related programs successful in their communities. Learn more about HUD's HOPWA program.