HUD AWARDS $1.9 MILLION TO RHODE ISLAND HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

BOSTON - More than 97 extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing in Rhode Island as a result of $1.9 million in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). During each of the next three years, this HUD funding will help provide permanent supportive housing for 97 households in Rhode Island so they can manage their illnesses while receiving critically needed support services.

The funding announced today awarded Rhode Island Housing with $1,981,961 for their Sunrise and New Transitions projects, through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) (see below for individual project descriptions).

"These programs are a critical source of support to local programs on the front lines of helping families stay healthy," said HUD New England Regional Administrator Richard A. Walega. "A stable home can make all the difference to the wellbeing of these families, many of whom have been homeless or at extreme risk of homelessness."

These projects have estimated that about 40% 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 (http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf) to prevent and end homelessness,
an unprecedented initiative announced last week at the White House.

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 123 local and
state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Up eight
percent from last year, HUD is making available a record $335 million inHOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist 58,367 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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 ad enforces the nation's
fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

HOPWA 2010 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grants

HOPWA FY2010 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Summaries

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island Housing - (Sunrise Project) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,240,606 to continue their Sunrise project that includes operation of 13 units of facility-based housing and 18 scattered site leased units. Supportive services will assist 73 households annually. The program is a collaborative partnership with AIDS Care Ocean State in Providence and Family Resources Community Action in Woonsocket.

For more information contact:
Mr. Richard Godfrey
Executive Director
Phone: (401) 457-1212
Email: rgodfrey@rhodeislandhousing.org.

Rhode Island Housing - (New Transitions) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $741,355 to continue their New Transitions project that includes a 5-unit transitional substance abuse treatment facility and nine scattered site leased units. Supportive services will assist 24 households annually. This is a collaborative partnership with AIDS Care Ocean State which provides substance abuse treatment, intensive supportive services, and Life Skills training for approximately three months, after which clients move to their own apartments with the support of a supportive service network to ensure housing stability.

For more information contact:
Mr. Richard Godfrey
Executive Director
Phone: (401) 457-1212
Email: rgodfrey@rhodeislandhousing.org.