HUD No. 10-137 Larry Bush (415) 489-6414 |
For Release Tuesday June 29, 2010 |
HUD AWARDS $1.3 MILLION TO TUCSON HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness
WASHINGTON - More than a thousand extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of $30.2 million in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During each of the next three years, this HUD funding will help provide permanent supportive housing for 1,232 households so they can manage their illnesses while receiving critically needed support services.
Pima County, Community Development and Neighborhood Conservation Department is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,313,826 to continue providing nine units of facility-based housing, in addition to providing Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to 40 households. Individualized comprehensive case management and supportive services will assist 50 households annually. The project is designed to create a
continuum of care for people who are low-income and HIV+ and their families in Tucson and Pima County.The
project is a collaborative effort with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and the City of Tucson's Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program
(HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of 29 local programs in 19 states.
"These programs are a critical source of support to local programs on the front lines of helping families stay healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "A stable home can make all the difference to the wellbeing of these families, many of whom have been homeless or at extreme risk of homelessness."
These projects have estimated that about 40% 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 (www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), an unprecedented initiative announced last week at the White House.
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 123 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Up eight
percent from last year, HUD is making available a record $335 million inHOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist 58,367 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.
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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.