The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced nearly $28 million in funding to support Americans living with HIV and AIDS by providing stable housing. This initiative is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal and Replacement Grants, which will assist 23 local organizations and government agencies in offering rental assistance and supportive services.
"At HUD, we understand the impact of housing on a person’s health," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "This funding will ensure people with HIV have permanent, stable, and supportive housing so they are able to focus on their health and well-being and not feel the stress of housing insecurity."
Research indicates that stable housing significantly improves health outcomes for people with HIV, including viral suppression. The awarded programs offer various services such as employment programs, mental health support, substance use programs, and ongoing case management to help families overcome barriers to maintaining stable housing.
"The HOPWA program provides life-saving support to communities for needed housing and services for people with HIV and their families," stated Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Marion McFadden for Community Planning and Development. "These awards, in addition to the $481 million in HOPWA funding announced earlier this year, allow communities to invest in the health and well-being of their neighbors with HIV."
The following organizations are among those receiving funding: Alaska Housing Finance Corp ($802,592), Lutheran Social Services of Northern California ($1,327,581), Salvation Army Alegria ($1,108,312), Ministry of Caring Inc. ($807,520), Gregory House Programs/Hoomanaolana ($1,457,042), AIDS Foundation of Chicago ($1,516,028), Chicago House & Social Service Agency Inc. ($1,335,380), City of Chicago Public Health Dept. ($1,568,039), Victory Programs ($1,468,415), City of Baltimore DHCD ($1,388,075), Frannie Peabody Center ($2.467 million across two grants), Cass Community Social Services Inc. ($1.4 million), Doorways (Interfaith) MO ($1.181 million), State of Montana ($1.565 million), State of New Hampshire ($1.009 million), Santa Fe Community Housing Trust ($1.345 million), Bailey House Inc. NY ($1.386 million), Asociación De Puertorriqueños en Marcha Inc., PA ($1.352 million), Tarrant County HIV Administrative Agency TX ($958K), Downtown Emergency Service Center WA ($587K) along with the State of Washington Department of Health WA receiving $1.286 million.
Since its inception in 1992 under the HOPWA Program framework by HUD provides grants aiding cities states nonprofit organizations targeting low-income individuals living with HIV alongside family members assisting them entering accessing remaining medical care adhering complex treatment regimens detailed information available at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hopwa/.