Local News Release

HUD GIVES POUGHKEEPSIE ALMOST $2 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

NEW YORK – Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced that Poughkeepsie will receive $1,729,008 to promote a variety of community development and affordable housing programs, and grants to provide real housing solutions for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

"This funding will help build better communities from the ground up," said Jackson. "Whether it's assisting communities to improve their infrastructure or helping the most vulnerable in our society, HUD is helping neighborhoods become better places to live and work."

The funding announced today includes:

• $1,050,008 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; and
• $679,000 for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

Since 1974, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has awarded approximately $115 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. CDBG is one of HUD's oldest and most flexible and popular programs. The rehabilitation of affordable housing and construction of public facilities and improvements have traditionally been the largest uses of the grants, although CDBG is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities. CDBG funds are distributed by formula around the country based on a community's population, poverty, the age of its housing stock, and extent of overcrowded housing.

HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants are distributed based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grants provide rental assistance and support services to individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. In addition, the HOPWA program also helps many communities develop strategic AIDS housing plans and fill in gaps in local systems of care. A stable home environment is a critical component for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments.

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

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