HUD AWARDS $2.3 MILLION TO LOCAL HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

BOSTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that extremely low-income people in Massachusetts living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of $2,314,299 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 Aids Action Committee and Community Healthlink, Inc. (see attached chart and individual project descriptions below).

"These grants offer housing, vital healthcare and hope to Massachusetts households that combine to literally save lives," said HUD New England Regional Administrator Barbara Fields. "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 Action Committee, a community-based non-profit organization, in Cambridge, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,415,025 to continue the "Bay State Supportive Housing Alliance" that provides tenant-based rental assistance to 24 households. In collaboration with local organizations, Father Bill's and Mainspring, this project also provides a combination of supportive services and housing information services to 24 homeless families. This renewal grant was formerly administered by Cambridge Cares About AIDS who merged with AIDS Action Committee in 2010.

Community Healthlink, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Worcester, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $899,274 to continue the operations of "Miranda's House". This nine unit congregant housing facility provides 24-hour support to chronically homeless women living with HIV/AIDS. The project also leases an additional nine 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, and an array of other community-based providers.

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 (www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), 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.

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 125 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year HUD is making available $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 promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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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 asa 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 @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

HOPWA 2012 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grants for Massachusetts