HUD ANNOUNCES $18.7 MILLION TO SUPPORT HOUSING AND SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS AND FAMILIES WITH HIV/AIDS
Tampa program awarded $1.3 million�among 16 model programs nationwide

TAMPA, FL - Hundreds of persons with HIV/AIDS who are either homeless or at extreme risk of living on the streets will find a new home because of $18.7 million in funding awarded today by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson made the announcement today in Tampa, Florida on the eve of
World AIDS Day and said Gulf Coast Family Jewish Services of Tampa will receive more than $1.3 million to help families to find the housing and services they need to stay healthy.

The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.
Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are a vital part of the comprehensive system of care for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critical for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments. In August, HUD awarded an additional $18.8 million to
help 19 local projects find permanent housing solutions for those living with HIV/AIDS.

"In keeping with the theme of this year's World AIDS Day, HUD is 'Keeping the Promise' to work with exceptional
local programs like Gulf Coast Family Jewish Services that serve the most vulnerable among us," said Jackson.
"These local projects provide real housing solutions for those who might otherwise be calling the streets their home."

Senator Mel Martinez, who joined Jackson in making today's announcement, said, "We are facing a housing crisis in Florida. Direct funding programs are a critical component in creating quality, affordable housing for people who need
it most. As former secretary of HUD, I know firsthand the benefits of public/private partnerships. Teaming public/private dollars leverages scarce resources; it creates a better environment for progress by vesting a local interest in a federal program so that we are not only creating homes - we are building communities."

HUD is awarding $1,339,000 to the Gulf Coast Family Jewish Services, Inc., in the Tampa Area. Gulf Coast is a nonprofit organization that will offer tenant-based rental housing assistance in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties. The project will specifically target ex-offenders, chronically homeless individuals and those who are at imminent risk of homelessness who are living with HIV/AIDS.

This is a coordinated effort through the Tampa Bay AIDS Network to provide tenant based rental assistance to 75 households that will result in permanent housing while providing these clients with greater access to primary care, case management, and other supportive services designed to help them stabilize their independence in the community. In addition, the program will assist 25 households with short-term mortgage, rent, and utility assistance.

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 as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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The following local projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program: