HUD AWARDS $2 MILLION TO RHODE ISLAND HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $2 million in grant awards to assist extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island. The grant awards will provide these households with a stable living environment, which is essential to accessing healthcare and HIV related services. In addition, this funding will provide access to the needed supportive services in assisting beneficiaries with a path to self-sufficiency such as life skills, job readiness services and employment training.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). HUD grants will renew support to the following programs in Rhode Island:

"These grants will provide our local partners with crucial funding that is necessary to provide individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS a place to call home," said Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The comfort of knowing that you have a roof over your head makes a huge difference in the wellbeing of families and gives hope to those who might otherwise end up living on the streets."

Rhode Island Housing (Sunrise Project) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,276,243 to continue their Sunrise project that includes operation of 13 units of facility-based housing and 18 scattered-site master-lease units. Supportive services will assist 51 households annually. The program is a collaborative partnership with AIDS Care Ocean State in Providence and Family Resources Community Action in Woonsocket.

Rhode Island Housing (New Transitions) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $780,242 to continue their New Transitions project that includes a five-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.

Many of the projects receiving renewed funding provide for specialized models in outreach and service delivery, including efforts that target help to persons who have been homeless or are at extreme risk of becoming homeless. The awarded programs are designed to increase coordination with the homeless assistance grant programs as well as other federal resources provided at the local level. These grants offer innovations in HIV care to increase job readiness and employment opportunities for persons in stabilized care. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration's Opening Doors (http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and National HIV AIDS Strategy, that identifies Housing as a key component to preventing the spread of HIV.

In addressing goals under these strategies, 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 138 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

For general information on the HOPWA program, contact Rhonda Siciliano, Rhonda.m.sicliano@hud.gov (617) 994-8335

For detailed information on the Sunrise Project or New Transitions, contact Susan Bodington, sbodington@rhodeislandhousing.org (401) 457-1286

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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 @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.