CUOMO ANNOUNCES $19.6 MILLION IN HUD GRANTS FOR HOUSING PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS IN 20 STATES

The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the grants to non-profit groups and state and local government agencies in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington State and Wyoming. (LIST OF GRANTS ATTACHED)

"Tragically, HIV/AIDS too often throws hard-working Americans into poverty, hitting them with huge medical bills and sometimes leaving them unable to work," Cuomo said. "HUD assistance is vital to prevent those in greatest need from being forced into homelessness."

The grants are part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, which is distributing $196 million in 1997 grants. Ninety percent of the funds are distributed to cities and states by a formula based on the number of AIDS cases reported. The remaining 10 percent -- the $19.6 million announced today -- is awarded as competitive grants.

The new grants will:

• Help people with HIV/AIDS remain in their homes by providing rental assistance and needed supportive services such as meals, medical care, and counseling.

• Provide housing to people with HIV/AIDs and their families facing homelessness.

• Identify homeless people who have chronic problems with drugs, alcohol or mental illness for special assistance.

• Help develop ways to better plan, design, manage and evaluate housing and related assistance for people with HIV/AIDS.

Don Maison, Executive Director of AIDS Services of Dallas, said: "Many of us on the front lines have worked hard to make HUD understand our needs. We're pleased that the federal commitment to housing is continuing."