Local News Release

HUD AWARDS $1,429,307 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING FUNDING IN MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA
Funding renews critical lifeline for persons and families at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON – Extremely low-income families living with HIV/AIDS in Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota will receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of $1,429,307 million in grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In each of the next three years, these grants are expected to help households address the challenges of living with HIV by improving their ability to manage illnesses and consistently engage in appropriate care as a result of their on-going housing arrangements.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD’s support of four collaborative partnerships in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

"These programs offer a lifeline to families struggling to find affordable and appropriate housing while trying to stay healthy,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "A permanent home can often be the best medicine for these families who would otherwise be at extreme risk of homelessness.”

State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,429,307 to continue the "Tri-State HELP Plus” program. The program provides tenant based housing assistance (TBRA) to 56 rural and chronically homeless households living with HIV/AIDS, and short term mortgage, rent, and utility assistance (STRMU) to 10 households. This is a unique collaboration with organizations in the states of North Dakota and South Dakota. The program involves a collaborative partnership with the Missoula AIDS Council, Yellowstone AIDS Project, Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and Community Action Program Region VII. This effort will sustain a continuum of housing opportunities that coordinates multi-state resource to address the unmet housing needs of predominantly rural households that promotes stable housing and independent living while providing employment opportunities. For information contact: Mr. Jim Nolan, (406) 447-4260.

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.

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 $310 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 58,000 households annually to promote stable housing arrangements and reduced risks of homelessness for persons living with HIV and other challenges.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; 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.