HUD AWARDS NEARLY $1 MILLION TO ANNISTON AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM
Funding to support critically needed housing and services

BIRMINGHAM - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today awarded nearly
$1 million to Health Services Center, Inc., an Anniston program that will provide permanent housing and critically needed support to persons living with HIV/AIDS. HUD's grant is provided through the Department's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.

Established in 1987, Heath Services Center has operated a clinic and began providing permanent housing in 2005.
"The funding we announce today will provide hope for people who are struggling to stay healthy and find a stable home this holiday season," said Preston. "By offering critically needed housing, we can also help them avoid homelessness and provide the services that will allow them to better manage their illnesses."

Health Services Center will use HUD's $997,838 grant to purchase permanent housing units and to support three existing units it owns. Funds will also be used to fund its Permanent Housing + (Plus) program by helping those
living with HIV/AIDS who are struggling to maintain housing, by helping with utility bills.

The local projects receiving HUD grants will provide permanent and transitional housing, as well as critically needed support services to approximately 300 households. In addition to the new grants announced today, HUD awarded
$19 million last August to renew funding to 18 existing HOPWA-funded competitively selected projects nationwide.

The following local programs are awarded funding:

The HOPWA Program is administered by HUD to address the specific focus of providing stable housing for a vulnerable population, very low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families who are homeless or have risks of homelessness. HOPWA makes grants to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families in obtaining and maintaining housing that serves as a base to improve their access to health-care and other support.

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.

In Fiscal Year 2008, HUD is providing a record $300 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 21,000 households with permanent housing support and another 41,000 with short-term and transitional housing support to address pressing housing needs. For FY 2009, HUD is seeking another $300 million to support new and existing local programs in their efforts to provide housing and support services to their clients. For information on Federal AIDS programs, go to www.aids.gov including links to HOPWA and other HUD programs.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.