HUD AWARDS $1.3 MILLION TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS/HIV IN WASHINGTON STATE
Funding renews support for stable housing for individuals and families at risk for homelessness

SEATTLE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded $1,301,664 to renew support
for a statewide HIV-AIDS housing program administered by the Washington Department of Commerce in Spokane and 20 communities in eastern and central Washington state.

The funding is provided under HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) program. These supportive housing grants 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.

"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."

"Life on the streets is harder for anyone and even harder for those with HIV/AIDS," said Mary McBride, HUD's Northwest Regional Administrator. "These critical funds enable the Washington Department of Commerce and its partners to provide decent and safe housing to some of the most vulnerable Americans. It's good for their health and for the well-being of our society."

The Washington Department of Commerce will use its renewed funding to support it Regionally Assisted Collaborative Housing (REACH) program that serves Spokane and 20 counties in eastern and central Washington. REACH maximizes independent living, quality of life, and access to care through the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 64 households, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 43 households, and supportive services to 50 households. The Washington Department of Commerce's partners include the Spokane Housing Authority, Coalition of the Responsible Disabled, Housing Authority of the City of Kennewick, Benton and Franklin Counties Department of Human Services, Okanogan County Community Action Council, and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services.

These projects have estimated that about 40 percent 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 to prevent and end homelessness, an unprecedented initiative announced last June at the White House. In February 2011, HUD released its plan to guide the agency's actions under the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. As the nation's housing
agency, 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 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 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.