HUD RENEWS FUNDING FOR SEATTLE'S DOWNTOWN EMERGENCY SERVICE CENTER TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS AMONG PERSONS WITH HIV/AIDS

SEATTLE - Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride today announced the renewal of $636,640 to the Downtown Emergency Service Center under HUD's Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA). The Center's three-year renewal award was part of a national announcement providing $32.3 million in HOPWA funds to 30 projects in 20 states.

The HOPWA funds will enable the Downtown Emergency Service Center to continue providing post-incarceration housing and support services very low-income families experiencing AIDS/HIV in Seattle through 10 facility based housing units, three respite beds serving up to 25 households a year, and housing case management services. The Center offers the service with support and collaboration from Evergreen Treatment Services, (ETS); Compass Center; King County jail; and the Washington State Department of Corrections.

"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. For those they serve, this program is the difference between a life well-lived and a life on the streets."

"The Northwest in has a long, proven track record of developing cutting-edge solutions to some of our most vexing problems, and serving some of our most vulnerable populations," said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride. "We are pleased to continue supporting the very good work of organizations serving people with AIDS/HIV like the Downtown Emergency Service Center."

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.

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