HUD AWARDS $1.4 MILLION GRANT TO L.A.TO 'CONNECT' PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS WITH PERMANENT HOUSING
Funding to renew critical lifeline for dozens of persons at risk for homelessness

LOS ANGELES�- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced that the City of Los Angeles will receive $1.4 million to provide a permanent home to dozens of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. �HUD's grant will help clients find a stable home and receive the services they need to manage their illnesses. � Preston made the announcement following a tour of Laguna Senior Apartments�that also provides supportive housing to low-income senior citizens living with HIV/AIDS.

"This grant is a lifeline for those struggling to find a decent home while trying to manage complex drug therapies," said Preston. �"Working closely with the City of Los Angeles' Housing Department, 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."

"I am a strong supporter of the HOPWA program. �Stable housing is critical to enable low-income persons with HIV/AIDS to receive effective treatment and good medical outcomes. �Individuals who receive HOPWA rental assistance are less likely to be hospitalized and more likely to have access to antiretroviral medications than HIV-positive individuals who lack access to stable housing. �This grant will help the City of Los Angeles provide housing for persons with HIV/AIDS," said Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

"We want our seniors to be able to live their golden years with the dignity and care they deserve. �This funding will help us provide low-income Los Angeles seniors who need specialized health care with the quality housing and services they need," said Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.

The grant announced today is part of $19.4 million HUD is awarding to 18 local programs nationwide through the Department's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA).

The City of Los Angeles Housing Department will use HUD's grant to continue its rental assistance program, called "Connections." �In partnership the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the city will continue providing 36 households with tenant-based rental assistance. The program is expected to provide tenant-based rental assistance to 90 other eligible households and is designed to work with the city's Section 8 program to transition HOPWA clients to Section 8 housing assistance.

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. �For a summary of the local programs receiving HOPWA grants, visit HUD's website.

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.