HUD MARKS WORLD AIDS DAY-AWARDS MODEL OREGON HOUSING PROGRAM WITH $1.4 MILLION GRANT
Oregon grant supports program that provides permanent housing to ex-offenders with AIDS

WASHINGTON- Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today marked World AIDS Day 2006 by presenting nearly $1.4 million to a model Oregon program that provides critically needed housing and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.

"HOPWA has been a great success and many of our local partners, like the State of Oregon, stand out," said Bernardi. "Oregon's use of HOPWA funds is a model for others demonstrating how expanding the reach of housing through a prisoner reentry program can literally change lives."

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.

The Oregon grant presented today is part of $286 million provided nationwide to support local HIV/AIDS housing programs this year. The Bush Administration is seeking more than $300 million in HOPWA funding for FY 2007, representing a record for HUD's principal HIV/AIDS housing effort.

Donnie Sanders was 28 years old when he entered Cascade AIDS Project after nearly three years in prison. Facing the prospect of a life on the street without any real medical treatment, Sanders found stable housing through the program and is currently building a new, healthy life with his wife Sanders said, "Just being able to stay clean and sober allowed me to move forward quite a bit. As long as I'm here with housing and always moving forward, I have no problem."

AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people worldwide and another 38 million people are living with HIV, including over one million in the United States December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day established by the World Health Organization to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This year's theme for HUD is Promising Partnerships:  Housing Stability and Access to Care For more information about World AIDS Day (www.aids.gov/awareness-days/).

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 For more information about FHA products, please visit www.fha.gov.

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