HUD AWARDS $2.7 MILLION TO HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $2,764,500 million to two HIV/AIDS housing programs in Maryland. These supportive housing grants will offer critically needed housing and support services to extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDs. During each of the next three years, this HUD funding will help provide permanent supportive housing so they can manage their illnesses while receiving critically needed support services.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of these previously funded projects in Maryland (see attached project descriptions below).

"These grants are a vital source of support to the local programs that are on the ground working to keep families healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Knowing that you have a place to call home can make all the difference to the wellbeing of families living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been on the brink of homelessness."

These projects have estimated that about 40 percent of the households to be assisted will involve persons who have been homeless. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration's new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness (http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), an unprecedented initiative announced last June at the White House. In February 2011, HUD released its plan to guide the agency's actions under the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. As the nation's housing agency, 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 124 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. HUD is making available a record $334 million in HOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist 60,669 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 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.

HOPWA FY2011 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Summaries

Maryland

The AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc. (AIRS) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,339,000 to continue its permanent housing program in the City of Baltimore targeted to serve low-income, limited English proficiency, underserved populations living with HIV/AIDS. The program will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 20 households annually, in addition to a range of supportive services, including bi-lingual case management, medical liaison, housing readiness training, and access to educational opportunities, employment counseling, and job training. Referrals come through community partnerships with local public and private health care organizations and institutions. AIRS has successfully placed 75% of the program participants with full or part-time employment.

For more information contact:
Mr. F.T. Burden, Executive Director
1800 N. Charles Street Suite 700
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 576-5070
Email: ftburden@airshome.org

The City of Baltimore's Office of Human Services is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,424,500 to continue operating its "At the Door Project." This program increases self-determination of post-incarcerated individuals by providing housing referrals and supportive services to transition ex-offenders who are homeless into successful community re-entry. The program provides rental assistance, counseling, case management, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, and job training to 35 households annually. The program has successfully enabled 72% of its participants to continue accessing substance abuse treatment, counseling, and case management necessary to sustain housing stability.

For more information contact:
Ms. D'Andra Pollard, HOPWA Program Administrator
Office of Human Services
210 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 396-4887
Email: D'Andra.Pollard@baltimorecity.gov