HUD AWARDS $623,117 TO HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAM IN WYOMING
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

CASPER - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $623,117 to the State of Wyoming Department of Health who has HIV-AIDS housing programs in Wyoming. These supportive housing grants will offer 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 the previously funded project in Wyoming.

"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 State of Wyoming has a proven track record of supporting individuals and families who suffer from HIV-AIDS," said HUD Regional Administrator Rick Garcia. "This award is a testament to their success and provides housing for this very vulnerable population."

The State of Wyoming Department of Health is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $623,117 to continue delivering statewide housing assistance for low-income persons and their families living with HIV/AIDS to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability. Annually, 25 households will receive tenant-based rental assistance, 15 households will receive short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments, and 100 households will receive access to an array of supportive services to increase quality of life.

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

For information contact:
Ms. Debi Anderson, 6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 510, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-5856
Email: debi.anderson@health.wyo.gov