HUD AWARDS $20 MILLION TO HELP PEOPLE & FAMILIES LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
Cornerstone Services, Inc. Joliet, awarded $773,628 HOPWA renewal grant for Will County

CHICAGO - Thousands of individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS will find a permanent home and get the
services they need because of more than $20 million in grants announced today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. HUD will renew funding to 22 model programs around the country that assist persons
and households at high risk for homelessness.

This funding is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. Housing assistance and 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.

"This funding will help 22 outstanding programs to provide critically needed services and permanent housing solutions for those who need it most," said Jackson. "Staying healthy is a full time job for persons with HIV/AIDS. Working closely with our local partners, we can help offer a stable home and needed services to thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors."

Cornerstone Services, Inc., is awarded a HOPWA renewal grant of $773,628 to continue to provide scattered site permanent housing with supportive services for 16 households with persons living with HIV/AIDS, who also have mental illness and are experiencing homelessness. The program is located in Will County IL, and Cornerstone will continue its partnerships with Agape Missions (case management, support groups), Stepping Stones (substance
abuse treatment center), Metro Infectious Disease Consultants (medical treatment, health care), and is working
with a new partner, Regional Care Association, (medical care, mental health counseling, substance abuse
counseling, HIV education and awareness programs). Low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and mental illness will be offered a comprehensive array of services promoting choice, dignity, and the opportunity to live permanent housing and work within their local communities.

"Providing care to those living with HIV/AIDS must include housing," said Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Regional Director
for the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin). "This Administration is committed to helping these families not only find a home but receive the services they need to maintain their quality of life."

In addition to the funding announced today, these existing AIDS housing programs are committing $6 million in matching funds and have generated another $27.5 million from other resources to further assist individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. These projects are expected to provide housing assistance to more than 2,000 persons over each of next three years.

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 117 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD
is making available a total of $295 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population.

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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NOTE: For a complete summary of the individual projects being funded, visit HUD's website.
Local Contact: Cornerstone Services, Inc., 777 Joyce Road, Joliet, IL 60436. Ms. Bette Reed,
phone: (815) 741-6743; fax: (815) 723 -1177; and email: breed@cornerstoneservices.org.