HUD AWARDS $4.3 MILLION TO LOCAL HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

CHICAGO – Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that extremely low-income Illinois residents living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of nearly $4.3 million in grants HUD is awarding. Annually, this HUD funding will provide permanent supportive housing so they can manage their health and access needed supportive services such as case management and employment training.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of the City of Chicago Department of Public Health, AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Chicago House and Social Service Agency (see attached chart and individual project descriptions below).

"These grants offer housing, vital healthcare and hope to hundreds of households that combine to literally save lives," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Having stable housing can make all the difference to the health of someone living with HIV/AIDS who might otherwise be struggling to live on our streets."

AIDS Foundation of Chicago is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,476,160 to continue its "Renaissance Care Network" program that provides 24 units of scattered-site rental assistance and housing placement services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago. In partnership with the Center for Housing and Health and the Christian Community Health Center (CCHC), this program provides a combination of supportive services, including HIV/AIDS case management, linkages to primary health care, and access to employment services.

For information contact: 
Mr. Arturo Bendixen, Director, 200 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 334-0956
Email: ABendixen@aidschicago.org

The City of Chicago Department of Public Health is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,487,815 to continue providing tenant-based rental assistance to 36 homeless or severe risk of homelessness households. In partnership with AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the program provides clients with access to a range of supportive services, including linkages to medical care, HIV/AIDS case management, and other appropriate services provided through mainstream community resources.

For information contact:
Ms. Evelyn Vazquez, Director of HIV Housing, STI Division,
333 South State Street, DePaul Center, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 747-8853
Email: evelyn.vazquez@cityofchicago.org

Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Chicago, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,285,370 to continue its "Gaining Ground" program that provides tenant-based rental assistance for 28 chronically homeless and unemployed persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Clients receive job training and placement support, as well as case management and linkages to medical care and other primary care services. The organization is a peer leader in developing employment training for PLWHA and is assisting in the "Getting to Work" initiative in 9 other jurisdictions.

For information contact:
Reverend Stan Sloan, Executive Director, 1925 North Clybourn Avenue, Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 248-5200
Email: ssloan@chicagohouse.org

Many of the projects receiving renewed funding provide for specialized models in outreach and service delivery, including efforts that target help to persons who have been homeless or at extreme risk of becoming homelessness. These grants offer innovations in HIV care to increase job readiness and employment opportunities for persons in stabilized care. The grants announced today also support the Opening Doors, the Obama Administration's new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.

In addressing goals under these strategies, 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 135 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Earlier this year, HUD awarded these jurisdictions nearly $300 million in formula grants. This year, HUD had made available a total of $332 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

HOPWA 2012 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grants

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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 at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.