HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $626,000 IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING GRANTS TO WYOMING
Funding to renew critical lifeline for persons in Wyoming at risk for homelessness

CASPER: They are extremely low-income, living with HIV/AIDS and at high risk of homelessness. Today, more than 1,100 persons and their families will find a stable home, and receive the services they need to manage their illnesses, because of $19.3 million in grants awarded by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston. More than $626,000 of the national funding is for persons at risk in Wyoming.

The grants announced today are part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew support to 18 local programs across the country and the U.S. Virgin Islands (see attached chart). Housing assistance and related 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, allowing them to access this support and maintain such care in a consistent and effective manner.

"These grants are quite literally a lifeline for those struggling to find a decent home while trying to manage complex drug therapies," said Preston. "Working closely with our local partners, we can offer these families the support they need to concentrate on staying healthy instead of worrying how they'll pay next month's rent."

State of Wyoming Department of Health will receive HUD's HOPWA renewal grant of $626,178 to continue its statewide efforts to deliver housing assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Through this grant, the Wyoming Department of Health will serve 30 households annually with tenant-based rental assistance, and 20 households annually with short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance. The program will also work with the Wyoming AIDS project and other organizations to ensure that supportive services, such as case management, are delivered to HOPWA clients state-wide. For more information contact:

Wyoming Department of Health
6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 510
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Mr. Brent Sherard, Director
Phone: (307) 777-5856
brent.sherard@health.wyo.gov or
Ms. Debi Nelson, Housing and Supportive Services Manager
Phone: (307) 777-5856
debi.nelson@health.wyo.gov. (See attached chart.)

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 121 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD is making available a record $300 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 67,000 households annually.

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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 and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

Chart of Grant Awards:

The following local projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program. For a complete project summary of the funding announced today, visit HUD's website:

For information on Federal AIDS programs, go to AIDS.GOV including links to HOPWA and other HUD programs. Visit HUD's website for the HOPWA program or email HOPWA@hud.gov.