HUD AWARDS $757,790 IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING FUNDING TO ALASKA
Funding renews critical lifeline for persons and families at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - Extremely low-income families living with HIV/AIDS in Alaska will receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of a $757,790 grant to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The award to the Corporation was part of a national announcement of $21.4 million in grants to 19 local organizations across the country serving these families.

"These programs offer a lifeline to families struggling to find affordable and appropriate housing while trying to stay healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "A permanent home can often be the best medicine for these families who would otherwise be at extreme risk of homelessness."

In each of the next three years, the grant to the Corporation is expected to provide 32 units of housing to help
these households address the challenges of living with HIV by improving their ability to manage illnesses and consistently engage in appropriate care as a result of their on-going housing arrangements. The renewal funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AID(HOPWA) program.

The Corporation's program area includes Anchorage, and areas in the south central, southwestern, and western regions of Alaska. Through a collaboration between the Corporation and the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, program beneficiaries will receive supportive services accessed through mainstream community resources, including linkages to comprehensive HIV/AIDS case management and health care.

Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are a vital part of the comprehensive system of care for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critical for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies, allowing them to access this support and maintain such care in a consistent and effective manner.

Ninety percent of HOPWA funds are distributed by formula to cities and states based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HUD's formula grants are managed by 121 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD
is making available a record $310 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 58,000 households annually to promote stable housing arrangements and reduced risks of homelessness for persons living with HIV and other challenges.

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