HUD AWARDS OVER $800,000 TO LOUISIANA HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced an $840,903 grant award to assist extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS in Louisiana. The grant awards will provide these households with a stable living environment, which is essential to accessing healthcare and HIV related services. In addition, these grant programs will provide access to needed supportive services in assisting beneficiaries with a path to self-sufficiency such as life skills, job readiness services 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 30 local programs in 20 states. The HUD grant renews support for Unity of Greater New Orleans, see program description below:

UNITY of Greater New Orleans, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $840,903 to continue providing 19 units of facility-based housing annually, long-term Tennant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to nine households annually, homeless prevention efforts via Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) assistance to 46 households annually, and supportive services to 51 households annually. The project is a collaborative partnership with the New Orleans AIDS Task Force (NO/AIDS) and Belle Reve in the coordination and delivery of supportive services. For more information, contact Ms. Vicki Judice, Deputy Director, Unity of Greater New Orleans, 2475 Canal Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70119. Phone: (504) 821-4496, and email vjudice@unitygno.org.

"These grants will provide our local partners with crucial funding that is necessary to provide individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS a place to call home," said Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The comfort of knowing that you have a roof over your head makes a huge difference in the wellbeing of families and gives hope to those who might otherwise end up living on the streets."

Acting Regional Administrator Mark Brezina added, "Unity of Greater New Orleans is making a difference in Louisiana. Their housing programs combined with their coordination of support services for those living with HIV/AIDS are helping families right now, preventing homelessness and providing permanent housing. This grant will help carry their good work forward."

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 are at extreme risk of becoming homeless. The awarded programs are designed to increase coordination with the homeless assistance grant programs as well as other federal resources provided at the local level. 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 Obama Administration's Opening Doors (http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and National HIV AIDS Strategy, that identifies Housing as a key component to preventing the spread of HIV.

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 138 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. 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.

###

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