HUD AWARDS NEARLY $500,000 TO HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM IN MINNESOTA
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

CHICAGO - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded nearly $500,000 to an HIV-AIDS housing program in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. This supportive housing grant 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 to help individuals manage their illness 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 this previously funded project in Chicago (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."

"Having access to affordable housing removes the paralyzing worry about homelessness and enables those  Chicagoans confronting this disease to concentrate on their health," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator.

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, 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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HOPWA FY2011 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Summaries

The Salvation Army is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $467,298 to continue providing facility-based supportive housing to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS through its Harbor Lights Center project in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. This comprehensive housing and case management program supports families with children and individuals with multiple barriers and needs, including homelessness, through two project locations: eight three-bedroom units for families with children at Harvest Hills; and six efficiency units for individuals at HOPE Harbor. Program participants receive supportive services, including case management, mental health services, and substance abuse counseling, to sustain housing stability.

For more information contact:
Mr. Daniel Sjogren, Executive Director
Salvation Army Harbor Lights
2445 Prior Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: (651) 746-3540
Email: daniel_sjogren@usc.salvationarmy.org

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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.