News Release

HUD ANNOUNCES $27.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT HOUSING AND SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS AND FAMILIES WITH HIV/AIDS
More than 1,000 families at risk for homelessness to receive housing and services

DALLAS – Over a thousand persons who are living with HIV/AIDS and who might otherwise be living on the streets will find a stable home and receive the services they need because of $27.5 million in funding awarded today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. HUD grants will support 26 programs in 15 states to provide their clients with three years of permanent supportive housing.

Jackson made the announcement during a news conference with Rep. Pete Sessions at a local housing development operated by AIDS Services of Dallas.

The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. 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 and potential side effects from their treatments.

"These grants offer a stable home and critically needed services to persons living with this disease so they can devote themselves to staying healthy," said Jackson. "HUD is not only helping to provide homes and help, but we’re offering hope to thousands of families at risk of living on our streets."

In 2007, President Bush is seeking a record $300 million for HUD’s HOPWA program, an increase of $14 million over current funding levels. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 75,000 households annually.

As part of today’s awards, HUD is providing nearly $16.5 million to 16 existing projects and nearly $11 million to support 10 new HIV/AIDS housing programs. These projects indicate they will assist 1,088 households. Combined, these HUD-supported programs will stimulate another $51.6 million from other public and private sources to continue assisting their clients, representing $1.87 for every HOPWA dollar awarded.

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 120 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD is making available a total of $286 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population.

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.

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