HUD AWARDS $612,379 TO HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM IN COLORADO
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

DENVER - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $612,379 to Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corporation who has HIV-AIDS housing programs in COLORADO. 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 Colorado

"These grants are 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 wellbeing of families living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been on the brink of homelessness."

"Del Norte has a proven track record of supporting individuals and families who suffer from HIV-AIDS," said HUD Regional Administrator Rick Garcia. "This award is a testament to their successful community work and provides housing for this very vulnerable population."

The Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corporation, located at 2926 Zuni Street, Denver, Colo., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $612,379 to continue operating its Dave’s Place project. This program supports 14 single-room occupancy (SRO) units of facility-based permanent housing in Denver. Del Norte will assist 18 households annually with permanent housing and supportive services. Program participants are supported with an array of services including group and individual counseling, mental health and substance abuse treatment, transportation assistance, nutritional services support, HIV education, and other important services. Supportive services are delivered in collaboration with the Colorado AIDS project.

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 (http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), 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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Contact: Del Norte Development Corporation
Marvin Kelly, 2926 Zuni Street #202, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 477-4774
Email: mkelly@delnortedc.org