HUD AWARDS $1,430,000 TO TRI-STATE HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM SERVING MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk of homelessness

HELENA - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $1,430,000 to the State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, in partnership with the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, to continue the operation of its TRI-STATE Housing Environments for Living Positively (TS HELP) program. 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 programs in the three state area.

"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."

"TS HELP has a proven track record of supporting individuals and families who suffer from HIV/AIDS," said HUD
Regional Administrator Rick Garcia. "This award is a testament to their successful community work and provides housing for this very vulnerable population."

The TS HELP program is an innovative collaboration to support the housing and supportive services needs of eligible individuals living in predominantly rural areas across Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota through a continuum
of housing and related supportive services. For each year of the grant period, TS HELP will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 64 households; short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to 53 households; and supportive services to 137 individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This program represents a partnership between the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services; the Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission in South Dakota; Missoula AIDS Council in Montana; Yellowstone AIDS Project in Montana; and
Community Action Program, Region VII in North Dakota.

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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For information contact:
Ms. Barbara Watson
Phone: (406) 994-7517
bwatson@montana.edu