News Release

HUD AWARDS $19.3 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING GRANTS TO 18 LOCAL PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
Funding to renew critical lifeline for 1,100 persons at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - They are extremely low-income, living with HIV/AIDS and at high risk of homelessness. Today, more than 1,100 persons and their families will find a stable home, and receive the services they need to manage their illnesses, because of $19.3 million in grants awarded by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston.

The grants announced today are part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew support to 18 local programs across the country and the U.S. Virgin Islands (see attached chart). 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.

"These grants are quite literally a lifeline for those struggling to find a decent home while trying to manage complex drug therapies," said Preston."Working closely with our local partners, 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."

The State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, will receive a HOPWA renewal grant of $1,430,000 to continue operating the TRI-STATE Housing Environments for Living Positively (TS HELP). This program serves people living with HIV/AIDS and their families in these three states-North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana-through a continuum of housing and related supportive services. For each year of the grant period, TS HELP will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 72 households; short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to 43 households; and supportive services to 109 individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This program represents a partnership between the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services; the Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission in South Dakota; Missoula AIDS Council in Montana; Yellowstone AIDS Project in Montana; Community Action Program in North Dakota; and Region VII in North Dakota. For more information contact: State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1400 Carter Drive, Helena, MT 59601. Mr. Jim Nolan, Bureau Chief of Intergovernmental Services Bureau, phone: (406) 447-4267, email: jnolan@.mt.gov; or Ms. Barb Watson, HOPWA Coordinator, phone: (406) 994-7517, email: bwatson@montana.edu.

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 at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

The following local projects are being funded through HUD’s HOPWA Program.  For a complete project summary of the funding announced today, visit HUD’s website:

For information on Federal AIDS programs, go to AIDS.GOV including links to HOPWA and other HUD programs. HUD's website for the HOPWA program is located at www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing/index.cfm or email HOPWA@hud.gov.