HUD AWARDS $29 MILLION TO 25 LOCAL HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $29 million in grants to help approximately 1,200 extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS annually. These grants provide a combination of housing assistance and supportive services for this vulnerable population.

In addition to housing assistance, these local programs will provide access to the needed supportive services such as case management, mental health, substance abuse, and employment training. The combination of housing assistance and supportive services are critical in sustaining housing stability, promoting better health outcomes, and increasing quality of life, which promotes self-sufficiency efforts for those able to transition to the private housing market (see attached chart and individual project descriptions below).

"Housing and health go hand in hand," said Secretary Julián Castro. "These grants will provide our local partners with a critical resource to support low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Having a stable place to live can make all the difference and we're proud to work with communities to help our fellow Americans in building productive and prosperous futures."

The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of 25 local programs in 16 states. Research shows that a stable home is critical to the health of persons with HIV-AIDS resulting in better health outcomes and reduced transmission of the disease.

The grants announced today also support Opening Doors (www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf), the Obama Administration's strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and the National HIV AIDS Strategy/ HIV Care Continuum, which identifies housing as a key component to reducing viral transmission. 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 vital for these households to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.

The HOPWA program is both a formula-based and a competitive grant program. 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 137 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Overall, these resources assist more than 52,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges. Ten percent of HOPWA funds are set aside to fund competitively awarded grants.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

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HOPWA 2015 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grants

FY2015 HOPWA Renewal Grant Narratives

Alaska

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, in Anchorage, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $781,269 to continue providing 3 units of facility-based housing, along with the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 13 households, and short- term rental assistance to 37 households. In partnership with its project sponsor, the Alaska AIDS Assistance Association, 100 program beneficiaries will receive supportive services accessed through mainstream community resources, including linkages to comprehensive HIV/AIDS case management and health care. In addition, permanent housing placement assistance will support 14 households with lease deposits and utility connections. The program area includes Anchorage, and areas in the south central, southwestern, and western regions of Alaska.

For information contact: Mr. Oscar Cedano, P.O. Box 101020, Anchorage, AK 99510.

Phone: (907) 330–8417

Email: ocedano@ahfc.us

California

The City of Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,501,500 to continue providing tenant-based rental assistance to 98 homeless and other eligible households. Through collaboration with its project sponsor, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the program has served as a national model in providing households with initial HOPWA supported rental assistance that enables them to transition into Section 8 housing assistance over an 18 month period. Other local partners are the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, and Shelter Partnership that assists in providing supportive services to ensure client stability.

For information contact: Ms. Suzette Flynn, Director of Housing Services, 1200 West 7th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Phone: (213) 808-8950

Email: suzette.flynn@lacity.org

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,276,170 to continue serving 30 households annually with tenant-based rental assistance. This program provides permanent housing and supportive services to post-incarcerated persons living with HIV/AIDS and includes the provision of emergency housing assistance to meet the needs of those exiting a correctional facility in order to bridge the gap to receiving a permanent housing arrangement.  The organization also provides an array of supportive services to 75 clients annually such as: individualized care plans, mental health counseling services, substance abuse counseling, and referral and linkage to medical services. Off-site service providers provide additional services to ensure housing stability for program participants.

For information contact: Ms. Carol Roberts, CEO, 1465 Civic Court, BLDG D, Suite 810 Concord, CA 94520

Phone: (925) 825-1060

Email: croberts@lssnorcal.org

TheSalvation Army, in Los Angeles County,is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,062,519 to continue their "Alegria Program" that provides 44 units of facility-based permanent and transitional housing for low-income families and persons living with HIV/AIDS. A combination of supportive services will be provided by mainstream community resources that complement the provision of housing support through access to a care management system that integrates existing case management, on-site case monitoring, crisis intervention, medical care, licensed child care, tutorial service, and employment referral.

For information contact: Mr. Alen Davtian, Program Consultant, 180 East Ocean Boulevard, Suite 500, Long Beach, CA 90802

Phone: (562) 264-3718

Email: alen.davtian@USW.salvationarmy.org

Delaware

The Ministry of Caring, Inc., a community-based, non-profit organization in Wilmington, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $790,298. The statewide project will continue to operate a 16-unit housing facility, the House of Joseph II, to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless and chronically homeless persons in the advanced stages of AIDS. Medical care, dental care, and supportive services are primarily provided on-site, with other wrap-around services provided by community-based providers with whom the grantee has long-standing relationships. The intensive case management and wrap-around services are aimed at increasing self-sufficiency, reducing hospitalizations and contributing to the quality of care of each resident.

For information contact: Mr. Mark Poletunow, Chief Financial Officer, The Ministry of Caring, Inc., 506 North Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Phone: (302) 888-1420

Email: mpoletunow@ministryofcaring.org

Hawaii

The Maui AIDS Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Maui County, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,441,159 to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 45 households. The program also provides 16 households with short-term rental assistance to prevent homelessness, 351 households with supportive services, and 458 households with housing information services. This project is an integral collaboration between the Maui AIDS Foundation, Malama Pono-Kauai, and the Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation. A comprehensive case management approach allows persons living with HIV/AIDS to maintain housing stability and to prevent homelessness.

For information contact: Mr. Steve Hire, Executive Director, 1935 Main Street, Room 101, Wailuku, HI 96793

Phone: (808) 242-4900 ext. 222

Email: steve@mauiaids.org

Gregory House Programs, a non-profit organization based in Honolulu, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,390,650 to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 33 households and transitional housing to 11 households. This program provides coordinated supportive services such as substance abuse counseling, life skills training, case management, and other services to ensure that clients have stable housing outcomes.

For information contact:

Mr. Jonathon Berliner, Executive Director, 200 North Vineyard Boulevard, Suite A310, Honolulu, HI 96817

Phone: (808) 592-9022

Email: jonb@gregoryhouse.org

Illinois

The City of Chicago Department of Public Health is awardeda HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,487,815 to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 36 households. In partnership with AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the program provides clients with access to a range of supportive services, including linkages to medical care, HIV/AIDS case management, and other appropriate services provided through mainstream community resources.

For information contact: Ms. Evelyn Vasquez, Director of HIV Housing, STI Division, City of Chicago Department of Public Health 333 South State Street, DePaul Center, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (312) 747-8853

Email: evelyn.vasquez@cityofchicago.org

AIDS Foundation of Chicago is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,472,777 to continue the provision of scattered-site rental assistance and housing placement services to 28 households living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago. In partnership with the Center for Housing and Health and the Christian Community Health Center (CCHC), this program provides a combination of supportive services, including HIV/AIDS case management, linkages to primary health care, and access to employment services.

For information contact: Mr. John Peller, President, AIDS Foundation of Chicago 200 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60641

Phone: (312) 922-2322

Email: jpeller@aidschicago.org

Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Chicago, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,285,370 to provide tenant-based rental assistance to 28 households who face the challenges of chronic homelessness and unemployment. Clients will be supported with job training and placement support, as well as case management and linkages to medical care and other primary care services.

For information contact: Reverend Stan Sloan, Executive Director, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Inc., 1925 North Clybourn Avenue, Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: (773) 248-5200

Email: ssloan@chicagohouse.org

Interfaith Residence, Dba "Doorways", a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $965,658to continue providing housing and supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families in a 55 county rural area of southern Illinois. In collaboration with two project sponsors, Bethany Place and Fifth Street Renaissance, the program will reach 45 households through a combination of available housing assistance including tenant-based rental assistance, and short-term rental assistance, and facility-based housing services. Clients will have access to supportive services, including HIV/AIDS case management, medical care, and other linkages to community social service programs.

For information contact: Ms. Britta Smith, Outstate Program Manager, 4385 Maryland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63106

Phone: (314) 535-1919

Email: bsmith@doorwayshousing.org

Massachusetts

Community Healthlink, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization, in Worcester, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $899,274 to continue the operations of "Miranda's House". This 9-unit congregant housing facility provides 24-hour support to chronically homeless women living with HIV/AIDS. The project also leases an additional 9 units of housing to address relapse prevention and other challenges for chronically homeless women. The project includes collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Family Health Center, and an array of other community-based providers.

For information contact: Ms. Leah Bradley, Director of Housing and Program Development, 72 Jacques Avenue, Worcester, MA 01610

Phone: (508) 421-4382

Email: lbradley@communityhealthlink.org

AIDS Action Committee, a community-based non-profit organization,in Cambridge, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,415,025 to continue the "Bay State Supportive Housing Alliance" (BSSHA) that provides tenant-based rental assistance to 24 households annually. With their project sponsors, Father Bill's and Mainspring, the project provides a combination of supportive services and housing information to 24 homeless families.

For information contact: Ms. Brenda Rose, Director of Housing Services, 75 Amory Street, Boston, MA 02119

Phone: (617) 450-1255

Email: brose@aac.org

Maryland

City of Baltimore, Office of Human Services, is awardeda HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,405,950 to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 50 households living with HIV/AIDS. Clients will gain linkages to a variety of supportive services provided through leveraged mainstream resources, such as employment assistance, HIV/AIDS case management, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

For information contact: Ms. Jacquelyn Duval-Harvey, Director, Mayor's Office of Human Services, 7 E. Redwood Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: (410) 396-7370

Email: Jacquelyn.Duvel-Harvey@baltimorecity.gov

Maine

The Frannie Peabody Center, a community-based organization in Portland, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,054,799 to continue its HAVEN Initiative. This project, serving the City of Portland and Cumberland County, provides permanent supportive housing for persons living with HIV who have other complex needs, including persons with histories of homelessness and incarceration, and persons with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The HAVEN Initiative provides tenant-based rental assistance to 38 households annually, along with short-term rent and utility assistance to at least 25 households. Additionally, the project will provide permanent housing placement services to 15 households and supportive services to 95 households each year.

For information contact: Ms. Megan Hannan, Executive Director, 30 Danforth Street, Suite 311 Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 619-8011

Email: mhannan@peabodycenter.org

The Frannie Peabody Center is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,432,653 to continue its HAVEN's Outreach to Racial and Ethnic Minorities Initiative. This program based in the City of Portland provides tenant-based rental assistance to 42 households annually, many of whom are immigrants and/or refugees living with HIV/AIDS. This city is a designated refugee resettlement community and is home to people from over 30 ethnic backgrounds who speak over 40 different languages. Supportive services, including case management support that links clients to mainstream benefits and health care resources, will be provided to at least 110 households annually. These services will address the cultural, language and economic barriers that pose obstacles to this vulnerable population in accessing housing, HIV care and services.

For information contact: Ms. Megan Hannan, Executive Director, 30 Danforth Street, Suite 311 Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 619-8011

Email: mhannan@peabodycenter.org

The Frannie Peabody Center is awarded a statewide HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,309,169 to continue its Outreach to Rural Maine Initiative. The program provides tenant-based rental assistance to 60 households, and short-term rent and utility assistance to at least 30 households annually. In addition, permanent housing placement services will be provided to 11 households annually. This project includes collaborations with the Maine Medical Center, Positive Health Care Facility, and the Eastern Maine AIDS Network. A combination of supportive services will be provided through the mainstream community resources to compliment housing support. This support involves access to HIV/AIDS case management, volunteer assistance, life skills education training, and medical care.

For information contact: Ms. Megan Hannan, Executive Director, 30 Danforth Street, Suite 311 Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 619-8011

Email: mhannan@peabodycenter.org

Michigan

Cass Community Social Services Inc., in Detroit will receive a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,348,970 to continue the provision of 14 units of facility-based housing for chronically homeless individuals at their Cass House facility. Clients will receive coordinated supportive services to maintain their housing stability. The program also promotes self-sufficiency by providing educational and substance abuse counseling opportunities.

For information contact: Reverend Faith Fowler, Executive Director,, 11850 Woodrow Wilson Street, Detroit, MI 48206

Phone: (313) 883-2277

Email: ffowler@casscommunity.org

Missouri

Interfaith Residence, Dba "Doorways", a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing grant of $1,109,912 to continue its Outside Missouri Next Step Supportive Housing Program that serves individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in rural and underserved communities in central and southern Missouri. The project consists of a combination of housing assistance based on client needs, including tenant-based rental assistance to 22 households, 11 leased rental units, and short-term rental assistance to 43 households annually. In addition, the program offers supportive services to 120 households through partnerships with local providers such as the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Missouri (RAIN).

For information contact: Ms. Britta Smith, Outstate Program Manager, 4385 Maryland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63106

Phone: (314) 535-1919

Email: bsmith@doorwayshousing.org

Montana

State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,482,040 to continue the Tri-State HELP Plus program to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 67 households living with HIV/AIDS in the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The program also provides short-term rental assistance to 12 households to prevent homelessness, permanent housing placement assistance to 15 households, and coordinated supportive services to 110 households to foster connections to needed supportive services and case management to maintain housing stability. This unique collaboration involves a partnership with four project sponsor organizations: the Missoula AIDS Council, Yellowstone AIDS Project, Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and Community Action Program Region VII. This effort continues to serve a predominantly rural population with a variety of different housing assistance while fostering connections to self-sufficiency through the provision of employment opportunities.

For information contact: Ms. Barbara Watson, Tri-State HELP/HOPWA Coordinator, 1400 Carter Drive, P.O. Box 202956, Helena, MT 59601

Phone: (406) 994-7517

Email: bwatson@montana.edu

New Hampshire

State of New Hampshire, Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $734,770 to continue the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 14 households, short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to 41 households, and coordinated supportive services to 126 households annually to households living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Manchester area. The program involves a collaborative partnership with their project sponsor the Merrimack Valley Assistance Program and other local service providers. The program utilizes the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track clients and improve data collection to enhance client care.

For information contact: Ms. Maureen Ryan, Executive Director, 129 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301

Phone: (603)-271-9197

Email: bbluhm@dhhs.state.nh.us

New York

Bailey House, Inc., in New York City, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,081,922 to continue its Project First program for recently released/post incarcerated persons living with HIV/AIDS. The program will provide facility-based housing for 8 individuals, tenant-based rental assistance for 27 households, and short-term rental assistance to prevent homelessness for up to 5 households annually. In addition, the program supports 4 units of transitional housing for clients exiting correctional facilities. Additionally, the program will offer a variety of supportive services that will help clients to enhance their work skills for maintaining stable housing.

For information contact: Ms. Jeannette Ruffins, Deputy Director of Supportive Housing, 1751 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035

Phone: (212) 633-2500

Email: jruffins@baileyhouse.org

Pennsylvania

Calcutta House, in Philadelphia, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $837,303 to continue providing operating costs and supportive services for Serenity Court. This nine-bed specialized facility provides housing and care to homeless and chronically homeless adults who are seriously and/or terminally ill with AIDS. The project utilizes a mix of on-site intensive supportive services and other mainstream resources to address medical costs, nursing, hospice, mental health, and pastoral needs.

For more information contact: Ms. Kim McGrory, Executive Director, 1601 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Phone: (215) 684-0480

Email: kmcgrory@calcuttahouse.org

Vermont

Burlington Housing Authority is awardeda HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $392,906 to continue providing 11 leased units of supportive housing for Vermont's only residential facility for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The program includes a collaborative partnership with the Burlington Community Land Trust, Vermont CARES (Committee on AIDS Resources) and Education Services. A combination of supportive services provided through mainstream community resources will complement the housing support through access to HIV/AIDS case management, medical care, substance abuse counseling, and employment referral.

For information contact: Ms. Kelley Newell, Director of Resident Services, Burlington Housing Authority, 65 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Phone: (802) 864-0538

Email: knewell@burlingtonhousing.org

Wisconsin

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,310,577 to continue the provision of 24 units of facility-based housing along with tenant-based rental assistance to 22 households to address the housing needs of chronically homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families across the state of Wisconsin. A combination of supportive services will complement the housing services through HIV/AIDS case management, access to medical care, substance abuse treatment, and employment referral.

For information contact: Mr. Mike Gifford, Executive Director, AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, 820 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone: (414) 225-1547

Email: mike.gifford@arcw.org