HUD AWARDS $1.8 MILLION TO HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

BIRMINGHAM - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $1,822,993 to two HOPWA grantees of HIV-AIDS housing programs in Alabama. These supportive housing grants will offer critically needed housing and support services to extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDs. During each of the next three years, this HUD funding will help provide permanent supportive housing so they can manage their illnesses while receiving critically needed support services.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of these previously funded projects in Alabama (see project descriptions below).

“These grants are a vital source of support to the local programs that are on the ground working to keep families healthy,” said HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. “Knowing that you have a place to call home
can make all the difference to the wellbeing of families living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been on the brink of homelessness.”

These projects have estimated that about 40 percent of the households to be assisted will involve persons who have been homeless. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration's new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, an unprecedented initiative announced last June at the White House. In February 2011, HUD released its plan to guide the agency's actions under the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. As the nation's housing
agency, HUD will contribute a variety of housing resources to promote better integration of housing interventions into comprehensive HIV care systems.

Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is also vital for these households in allowing them to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.

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 124 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. HUD is making available a record $334 million inHOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist 60,669 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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HOPWA FY2011 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Summaries

Alabama

AIDS Alabama, Inc., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $937,228 to continue providing 14 households with permanent supportive housing through its Jasper House program in Birmingham. Jasper House targets homeless and chronically homeless individuals and families who are linked to medical care, case management, psychiatric assessment/treatment, social services, transportation, and basic living skills training. An estimated 100 households will receive these wrap around supportive services in order to promote housing stability. AIDS Alabama has collaborative partnerships with an extensive network of homeless service providers. The program utilizes the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) in coordination with local continuum of care organizations.

For more information contact:
Ms. Elaine Cottle, Chief Executive Officer
3521 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: (205) 324-9822
Email: elaine@aidsalabama.org

Health Services Center, Inc. is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $885,765 to continue providing 15 households with facility-based permanent supportive housing, 60 households with short-term rent mortgage and utility assistance, and 160 households with supportive services. The program has a particular
focus on homelessness prevention through the provision of supportive housing inclusive of housing case management and the development of individualized housing plans. Program participants are provided with employment training, counseling, and transportation assistance in coordination with local resources in order to promote and sustain housing stability. The program specifically targets homeless persons, including chronically homeless and families with children.

For more information contact:
Ms. Rita Flegel, Housing Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 1347
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 832-0100
Email: Rhflegel@aol.com

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