HUD AWARDS $1 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING FUNDING IN ST. LOUIS
Funding renews critical lifeline for persons and families at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - Extremely low-income families living with HIV/AIDS in St. Louis will receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of a $1,074,063 grant announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In each of the next three years, the grant is 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 the Interfaith Residence "Doorways" project in St. Louis.

"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."

Interfaith Residence (DOORWAYS), a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing grant of $1,074,063 to continue its "Outside Missouri Next Step Project" that provides housing opportunities for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in rural and underserved communities in 62 counties of central and southern Missouri. The project provides 37 units of short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance (STRMU) and 29 units of tenant based rental assistance (TBRA), and 4 facility based units. The program includes a partnership with The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Missouri (RAIN) and the AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO). The program provides a combination of supportive services through mainstream community resources,
including access to HIV/AIDS case management, medical care, adherence to HIV medication regimentation, and employment training and placement referral. For additional information about the program, contact Britta Brown,
(314) 535-1919.

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 increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities;
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.