HUD ANNOUNCES $2.3 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING AID TO NEW YORK CITY
$32 Million Awarded Nationwide to Provide Critical Support

NEW YORK - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced today $2,376,013 to
two New York City community-based groups to assist people living with HIV/AIDS and who are at high risk for homelessness. The funding to New York City is part of more than $32 million in grants announced nationally that will be provided to 31 programs in 21 states. The assistance will help as many as 2,200 people find a stable home and receive supportive services. (Information about the two NYC grantees is attached.)

The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.
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 and potential side effects from their treatments.

"Having a stable home can make all the difference in staying healthy and living with this disease," said Jackson. "These grants will help provide more than just homes to thousands of families with HIV/AIDS who might otherwise
be facing homelessness."

In 2008, President Bush is seeking a record $300 million for HUD's HOPWA program, an increase of $14 million over current funding levels. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 70,500 households annually.

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 120 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD
is making available a total of $286.1 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special
needs population.

The following local projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program. For a complete project summary of
the nationwide funding, visit HUD's website.

SUMMARY OF THE FY2007 HOPWA GRANT AWARDS

NEW YORK

The Church Avenue Merchants Block Association, Inc. (CAMBA) in Brooklyn is awarded a HOPWA renewal grant of $1,339,000 to continue a HIV Multiple-Diagnosis Initiative projects. The effort provides 40 households with
scattered site leased apartments, 8 households with tenant based rental assistance, 40 households with short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. The housing support involves intensive supportive services to assist low-income and/or homeless persons living with HIV who also have challenges with mental illness and/or chemical addictions in Brooklyn. For more information contact:

Joanne Oplustil, Executive Director
or Sharon Browne, Deputy Executive Director
Church Avenue Merchants Block Association, Inc.
1720 Church Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 287-2600
Joanne Oplustil or Sharon Browne.

The Fortune Society, Inc. is awarded a HOPWA renewal grant of $1,136,465 to continue its Coming Home Program. This reentry program in New York City uses eight units of facility based housing along with 20 units of tenant-
based rental assistance and wrap around supportive services to help stabilize 20 HIV-positive recently released
ex-prisoners with chronic histories of substance abuse in the New York. For more information contact:

Joanne Page, Executive Director
The Fortune Society, Inc.
53 West 23rd Street
New York, New York, 10031
(212) 691-7554, ext. 500
Joanne Page.

For information on Federal AIDS programs, go to www.AIDS.GOV including links to HOPWA and other HUD programs. HUD's website for the HOPWA program is located at www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing/index.cfm or email HOPWA@hud.gov.

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