News Release

HUD AWARDS $721,000 IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING FUNDING IN DALLAS
Funding renews critical lifeline for post-incarcerated persons with HIV/AIDS at risk for homelessness

FORT WORTH - Extremely low-income post-incarcerated persons living with HIV/AIDS in Dallas will continue to receive support in maintaining a permanent affordable home as a result of a $721,000 grant announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant is expected to help households address the challenges of living with HIV by improving their ability to manage their illness 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 renews the City's current three-year HOPWA grant that will expire at the end of this year.

"These programs offer a lifeline to persons 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 those who would otherwise be at extreme risk of homelessness."

The City of Dallas' Environmental and Health Services Department is receiving a HOPWA permanent supportive housing grant for a total of $721,000 to continue providing 28 units of permanent housing for post-incarcerated persons living with HIV/AIDS. The city's "Project Reconnect Housing" is in collaboration with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the city Attorney's Office, and local non-profit community based AIDS organizations. The goal is to provide a combination of services addressing re-entry challenges by providing ongoing housing support and HIV/AIDS case management with the goal of stabilizing ex-offenders and reducing recidivism. For more information, contact Lori Davidson at (214) 670-5560.

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.

###