HUD ANNOUNCES $18.7 MILLION TO SUPPORT HOUSING AND SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS AND FAMILIES WITH HIV/AIDS
Funding designed to prevent homelessness for 545 families in 15 states

WASHINGTON - Hundreds of persons with HIV/AIDS who are either homeless or at extreme risk of living on the streets will find a new home because of $18.7 million in funding awarded today by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson made the announcement in Tampa, Florida on the eve of World AIDS Day and said the funding to 16 model programs around the country will help 545 families to find the housing and services they need to stay healthy.

Secretary Jackson makes HOPWA grant announcment in Tampa along with former HUD Secretary, Senator Mel Martinez.

The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. 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 and potential side effects from their treatments. In August, HUD awarded an additional $18.8 million to help 19 local projects find permanent housing solutions for those living with HIV/AIDS.

"In keeping with the theme of this year's World AIDS Day, HUD is "Keeping the Promise' to work with exceptional local programs that serve the most vulnerable among us," said Jackson. "These local projects provide real housing solutions for those who might otherwise be calling the streets their home."

The local programs awarded funding will help 545 households to find transitional supportive housing for the next three years and will seek to move these families into more permanent arrangements with greater self sufficiency. In addition to the HUD funding awarded today, these programs will stimulate another $23.5 million from other public and private sources so they can further assist their clients.

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 total of $282 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.

##

The following local projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program:

Note: For a complete project summary of the funding announced today, visit HUD's website