HUD AWARDS $2.2 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING FUNDING IN MASSACHUSETTS
Funding renews critical lifeline for persons and families at risk for homelessness

Extremely low-income families living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts will receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of $2,250,936 in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In each of the next three years, these grants are expected to help households address the
challenges of living with HIV by improving their ability to manage illnesses and consistently engage in appropriate
care as a result of their on-going housing arrangements.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program
(HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of two projects in Massachusetts.

"These programs offer a lifeline to families struggling to find affordable and appropriate housing while trying to stay healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "A permanent home can often be the best medicine for these families who would otherwise be at extreme risk of homelessness."

Cambridge Cares About AIDS, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization, in Cambridge, is awarded a
HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,370,440. The grant will continue providing 16 units of tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) for chronically homeless single-parent women and single women living with HIV/AIDS. This collaboration includes a partnership with Quincy Interfaith Shelter Coalition in the "Bay State Supportive Housing Alliance" project to provide a combination of supportive services to compliment the provision of housing support and case management.

Community Healthlink, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Worchester, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $880,496 to continue the operations of "Maranda's House". This
9-unit congregant housing facility provides 24-hour support to chronically homeless women living with HIV/AIDS.
The project also leases 9 units of housing to address relapse prevention and other challenges for chronically
homeless women. The project includes collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Family Health Center, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, and an array of other community-based providers.

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, allowing them to access this support and maintain such care in a consistent and effective manner.

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 121 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD
is making available a record $310 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 58,000 households annually to promote stable housing arrangements and reduced risks of homelessness for persons living with HIV and other challenges.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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 and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

HUD is awarding grants to the following local projects: