HUD AWARDS $4.2 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING GRANTS TO FOUR LOCAL PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $4.2 million to four local permanent supportive housing grants that offer critically needed housing and support services to extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. These grants will help 335 households with permanent supportive housing support and 499 households with needed supportive services over the next three years as they address the challenges of finding a stable home and receiving care to manage their illness.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programand will renew support of four projects in Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico and Wisconsin (see attached project descriptions).

"At HUD, we recognize the profound affects that housing can have on the lives and livelihoods of people living with HIV/AIDS" said Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Working closely with our local partners, we can offer those individuals and families the security of having a roof over their heads."

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.

The Obama - administration is committed to re-focusing public attention on the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic. One of the administration's top HIV/AIDS priorities is the development and implementation of a National AIDS Strategy (NHAS). The three primary goals for the NHAS are to: reduce HIV incidence, increase access to health care and optimize health outcomes, and reduce HIV-related health disparities. In February 2011, HUD released its operational plan to guide the agency's actions under the NHAS. As the nation's housing agency, HUD will contribute through actions to maximize the effective use of housing resources and promote better integration of housing interventions into comprehensive HIV care systems.

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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 List.

The following projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program.

Georgia

The City of Savannah, Georgia, Community Planning and Development Division, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $685,696 to continue providing 10 units of facility based permanent supportive housing and short term rent, mortgage and utility payments to 120 households during the three year grant period. Supportive services will assist 155 households over the three year grant within the Coastal Care Consortium. The City of Savannah partners with Union Mission Inc. for delivery of supportive services.

For information contact: Victoria Green
Phone: (912) 525-3100
Email: vgreen@savannahga.gov

Illinois

Cornerstone Services Inc., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $926,251 to continue providing 18 households with tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services for persons living with HIV/AIDS, who also have mental illness and are experiencing homelessness in Will County, Illinois. Cornerstone will continue its partnerships with Agape Missions, Stepping Stones, Metro Infectious Disease Consultants, and Regional Care Association in providing services.

For information contact: Bette Reed
Phone: (815) 741-6743
Email: breed@cornerstoneservices.org

New Mexico

The Santa Fe Community Housing Trust, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,314,280 to continue providing tenant-based rental assistance with the clients' rent contributions set aside for down payment on a home. By the end of the three year grant period 24 households will be on the path to Home Ownership. The Santa Fe Community Housing Trust will continue to partner with local providers to serve 75 households throughout New Mexico with supportive service.

For more information contact: Sharron Welsh
Phone: (505) 989-3960
Email: swelsh@housingtrustonline.org

Wisconsin

The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW), is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,339,000 to continue providing 72 dually diagnosed and/or mentally ill individuals and their families with tenant based rental assistance and supportive services throughout the State of Wisconsin. The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin will continue to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services in delivery of supportive services.

For information contact: Doug Nelson
Phone: (414) 273-1991
Email: doug.nelson@arcw.org