HUD AWARDS $611,582 TO HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM IN ARIZONA
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $611,582 to the Housing Authority of Cochise in Bisbee which 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 Arizona (see attached project description below).

"This grant is a vital source of support to the local programs that are on the ground working to keep families
healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Knowing that you have a place to call home can make all the difference to the well being of families living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been on the brink of homelessness."

HOPWA-funded 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 in HOPWA 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 Summary

Arizona

The Housing Authority of Cochise County is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $611,582 to continue operating its Housing Assistance Program. This collaborative effort of housing and supportive services will provide annually tenant-based rental assistance to 24 households, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 15 households, housing information services to 60 households, and comprehensive supportive services and case management to 39 households. The Housing Authority has assembled a multidisciplinary team of partners to provide a variety of supportive services in coordination with local Ryan White Care Act resources. These partners include the following: Cochise County Health Department; City of Douglas Housing Department; St. John's Episcopal Church; the Arizona Department of Health Services; Southwest Fair Housing Council; Impact Consultants; Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless; and Good Neighbor Alliance in Sierra Vista.

For more information contact:
Ms. Anita Baca, Executive Director, 100 Clawson Ave. P.O. Box 167, Bisbee, AZ 85603
Phone: (520) 432-8880
Email: abaca@co.cochise.az.us