TARRANT COUNTY RECEIVES $950,000 FROM HUD FOR HIV/AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

FORT WORTH - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $950,966 to the Tarrant
County Community Development Division to continue 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 this previously funded project.

"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."

The Tarrant County Community Development Division will use its HOPWA Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant to continue operating its facility-based housing and tenant-based rental assistance programs through the Tarrant County Samaritan House, Inc. The program links participants to supportive services, including case management, chemical dependency counseling, and professional skills development. Samaritan House supports 60 units of facility-based housing, provides tenant-based rental assistance to 22 households, and serves 75 households with supportive services. Contact: Tammy McGhee, Supportive Housing Program Manager, (817) 850-7940.

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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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 and espanol.hud.gov.