HUD AWARDS $20 MILLION TO HELP PEOPLE & FAMILIES LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, awarded $1,364,000 HOPWA renewal grant

MILWAUKEE - Thousands of individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS will find a permanent home and get the services they need because of more than $20 million in grants announced today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. HUD will renew funding to 22 model programs around the country that assist persons and households at high risk for homelessness.

This funding is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. Housing assistance and services funded by HOPWA are a vital part of the comprehensive system of care for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critical for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments.

"This funding will help 22 outstanding programs to provide critically needed services and permanent housing solutions for those who need it most," said Jackson. "Staying healthy is a full time job for persons with HIV/AIDS. Working closely with our local partners, we can help offer a stable home and needed services to thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors."

The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) is awarded a HOPWA renewal grant of $1,364,000 to continue providing statewide assistance for intensive housing case management, rental assistance and supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, and those who are also diagnosed with chronic drug abuse or mental illness issues. The program has achieved results in reducing homelessness, increasing adherence to medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment, reducing criminal behavior, and improving client access to other HIV/AIDS services. This support improves a client's quality of life, increased independence, and reduced utilization of emergency medical care. The program will serve 215 people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the state.

"Providing care to those living with HIV/AIDS must include housing," said Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Regional Director for the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin). "This Administration is committed to helping these families not only find a home but receive the services they need to maintain their quality of life."

In addition to the funding announced today, these existing AIDS housing programs are committing $6 million in matching funds and have generated another $27.5 million from other resources to further assist individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. These projects are expected to provide housing assistance to more than 2,000 persons over each of next three years.

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 117 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD is making available a total of $295 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; 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 as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

NOTE: For a complete summary of the individual projects being funded, visit HUD's website. Local Contact: AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin; P.O. 510498 Milwaukee, WI 53203-0092. Mr. Doug Nelson, Executive Director; phone: (414) 273-1991; fax: (414) 273-2357; and email: doug.nelson@arcw.org