HUD AWARDS $23 MILLION TO 22 LOCAL HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS

Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON, DC – April 26, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that more than a thousand extremely low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of $23 million in grants.  During each of the next three years, this HUD funding will help provide permanent supportive housing for 1,015 households so they can manage their illnesses while receiving critically needed support services.

The funding announced today is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD’s support of 22 local programs in 18 states (see attached chart and individual project descriptions below).

“These grants are a vital source of support to the local programs that are on the ground working to keep families healthy,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.  “Knowing that you have a place to call home can make all the difference to the wellbeing of families living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been on the brink of homelessness.”

These projects have estimated that about 40 percent of the households to be assisted will involve persons who have been homeless.  The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration’s new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, an unprecedented initiative announced last June at the White House.  In February 2011, HUD released its plan to guide the agency’s actions under the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.  As the nation’s housing agency, HUD will contribute a variety of housing resources to promote better integration of housing interventions into comprehensive HIV care systems.

Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS.  A stable home environment is also vital for these households in allowing them to access consistent medical care and maintain their health.  Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.

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 124 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources.  HUD is making available a record $334 million in HOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population.  Overall, these resources assist 60,669 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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HOPWA 2011 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grants

HOPWA FY2011 Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Summaries

 Alaska

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $915,440 to continue providing permanent housing, comprehensive case management, and short-term housing assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the northern interior and in southeast Alaska.  The AHFC serves individuals and families in rural, hard-to-reach locations.  AHFC will continue to partner with Interior AIDS Assistance and the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association.  This collaborative effort will annually provide tenant-based rental assistance to 10 households, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 25 households, and supportive services to 45 households.    

For more information contact:
Mr. Michael Buller, Deputy Executive Director, P.O. Box 101020, Anchorage, AK  99510
Phone:  (907) 330-6100
Email: ">

Alabama

AIDS Alabama, Inc., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $937,228 to continue providing 14 households with permanent supportive housing through its Jasper House program in Birmingham.  Jasper House targets homeless and chronically homeless individuals and families who are linked to medical care, case management, psychiatric assessment/treatment, social services, transportation, and basic living skills training.  An estimated 100 households will receive these wrap around supportive services in order to promote housing stability.  AIDS Alabama has collaborative partnerships with an extensive network of homeless service providers.  The program utilizes the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) in coordination with local continuum of care organizations.

For more information contact:
Ms. Elaine Cottle, Chief Executive Officer, 3521 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL  35222
Phone:  (205) 324-9822
Email: ">

Health Services Center, Inc.is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grantof $885,765 tocontinue providing 15 households with facility-based permanent supportive housing, 60 households with short-term rent mortgage and utility assistance, and 160 households with supportive services.  The program has a particular focus on homelessness prevention through the provision of supportive housing inclusive of housing case management and the development of individualized housing plans.  Program participants are provided with employment training, counseling, and transportation assistance in coordination with local resources in order to promote and sustain housing stability.  The program specifically targets homeless persons, including chronically homeless and families with children.

For more information contact:
Ms. Rita Flegel, Housing Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 1347, Anniston, AL  36201
Phone:  (256) 832-0100
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Arizona

The Housing Authority of Cochise County is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $611,582 to continue operating its Housing Assistance Program. This collaborative effort of housing and supportive services will provide annually tenant-based rental assistance to 24 households, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to15 households, housing information services to 60 households, and comprehensive supportive services and case management to 39 households.  The Housing Authority has assembled a multidisciplinary team of partners to provide a variety of supportive services in coordination with local Ryan White Care Act resources.  These partners include the following:  Cochise County Health Department; City of Douglas Housing Department; St. John’s Episcopal Church; the Arizona Department of Health Services; Southwest Fair Housing Council; Impact Consultants; Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless; and Good Neighbor Alliance in Sierra Vista. 

For more information contact:
Ms. Anita Baca, Executive Director, 100 Clawson Ave. P.O. Box 167, Bisbee, AZ  85603
Phone:  (520) 432-8880
Email: ">

Colorado

The Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corporation is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $612,379 to continue operating its Dave’s Place project.  This program supports 14 single-room occupancy (SRO) units of facility-based permanent housing in Denver.  Del Norte will assist 18 households annually with permanent housing and supportive services.  Program participants are supported with an array of services including group and individual counseling, mental health and substance abuse treatment, transportation assistance, nutritional services support, HIV education, and other important services.  Supportive services are delivered in collaboration with the Colorado AIDS project.

For information contact:
Mr. Marvin Kelly, 2926 Zuni Street #202, Denver, CO  80211
Phone:  (303) 477-4774
Email: ">

Idaho

The Idaho Housing and Finance Associationis awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive of $1,349,068 to continue a statewide permanent supportive housing program for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families.  Working through a network of regional consortiums of project sponsors, the program annually will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 65 households, and short-term, mortgage, rental and utility assistance to 33 households.  In addition to direct housing assistance, an array of supportive services will assist 206 households annually, including case management, health and mental health referrals.  To assist clients across the state in meeting their housing and related health care needs, this project partners with the following organizations:  North Idaho AIDS Coalition, Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority, Sojourner’s Alliance, Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, South Central District Health Department, Southeastern District Health Department, and the Eastern Idaho Public Health District Department.

For more information contact:
Ms. Julie Williams, Senior Vice President, P.O. Box 7899, 565 W. Myrtle Street, Boise, ID 83707
Phone:  (208) 331-4889
Email: ">

Illinois

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago(AFC) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,384,993 to continue providing supportive housing to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago.  AFC is the lead agency for the Chicago Housing and Health Partnership (CHHP), a program designed to improve the health outcomes of those living with HIV/AIDS through the effective coordination of citywide health care with the delivery of housing assistance.  Annually, AFC will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 21 households and the operating costs for 12 leased units.  The program will support project-dedicated case managers at each housing agency with the goal of providing intensive, highly individualized case management that will link an anticipated 33 households with a comprehensive array of supportive services.  This collaboration includes the following organizations:  Housing Opportunities for Women, Vital Bridges, Christian Community Health Center, and Heartland Human Care Services. 

For more information contact:
Ms. Angelique Miller, Director of Housing Partnerships, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, 411 South Wells Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL  60607
Phone:  (312)-922-2322
Email: ">

Kentucky

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Division of Community Development is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,430,000 to continue operation of its AIDS Volunteers, Inc. (AVOL) housing facility program.  This program provides housing assistance, supportive services, housing information services, and permanent housing placement for low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Central and Eastern Kentucky who are homeless, imminently homeless, or precariously housed.  The program consists of two components:  Rainbow Apartments, a transitional housing facility, will assist 15 households annually with homelessness prevention services; and Solomon House, a seven unit community residence for those that required assisted living.  Wrap around supportive services which includes case management, nutritional services, transportation to medical appointments, and life skills education, will be provided to 324 households annually.  

For information contact:
Ms. Irene Gooding, Grants Manager, 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY  40507
Phone:  (859) 258-3079
Email: ">

Maryland

The AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc. (AIRS) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,339,000 to continue its permanent housing program in the City of Baltimore targeted to serve low-income, limited English proficiency, underserved populations living with HIV/AIDS.  The program will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 20 households annually, in addition to a range of supportive services, including bi-lingual case management, medical liaison, housing readiness training, and access to educational opportunities, employment counseling, and job training.  Referrals come through community partnerships with local public and private health care organizations and institutions.  AIRS has successfully placed 75% of the program participants with full or part-time employment.

For more information contact:
Mr. F.T. Burden, Executive Director 1800 N. Charles Street Suite 700, Baltimore, MD  21201
Phone: (410) 576-5070
Email: ">

The City of Baltimore’s Office of Human Servicesis awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,424,500 to continue operating its “At the Door Project.” This program increases self-determination of post-incarcerated individuals by providing housing referrals and supportive services to transition ex-offenders who are homeless into successful community re-entry.  The program provides rental assistance, counseling, case management, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, and job training to 35 households annually.  The program has successfully enabled 72% of its participants to continue accessing substance abuse treatment, counseling, and case management necessary to sustain housing stability.

For more information contact:
Ms. D’Andra Pollard,HOPWA Program Administrator,Office of Human Services, 210 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, MD  21202
Phone:  (410) 396-4887
Email:  D’

 Minnesota

The Salvation Army is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $467,298 to continue providing facility-based supportive housing to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS through its Harbor Lights Center project in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.  This comprehensive housing and case management program supports families with children and individuals with multiple barriers and needs, including homelessness, through two project locations:  eight three-bedroom units for families with children at Harvest Hills; and six efficiency units for individuals at HOPE Harbor.  Program participants receive supportive services, including case management, mental health services, and substance abuse counseling, to sustain housing stability.   

For more information contact:
Mr. Daniel Sjogren, Executive Director, Salvation Army Harbor Lights, 2445 Prior Avenue, Roseville, MN  55113
Phone:  (651) 746-3540
Email: ">

Mississippi

Grace Houseis awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,221,580 to continue providing scattered-site tenant-based rental assistance and facility-based housing to chronically homeless individuals living HIV/AIDS within the Jackson metro area.  Annually, the program will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 24 homeless individuals, in addition to the provision of coordinated linkages with related housing information and supportive services to 210 individuals.  The program also includes 33 units of facility-based transitional and permanent housing through five sites with on-site supportive services such as individual and group counseling, rehabilitative services, and medical support.

For more information contact:
Ms. Ella Tardy, Executive Director, 236 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, MS  39202
Phone:  (601) 353-1038
Email:

Montana

The State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, in partnership with the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,430,000 to continue operation of its TRI-STATE Housing Environments for Living Positively (TS HELP).  This program is an innovative collaboration to support the housing and supportive services needs of eligible individuals living in predominately rural areas across this three state region.  Annually, 56 households will receive tenant-based rental assistance, 40 households with short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness, and 119 households with comprehensive supportive services including health/mental health assessment, day care, nutritional services, drug/alcohol abuse treatment and counseling, as well as other needed services. The program will also support 10 households will permanent housing placement assistance each year in Montana and South Dakota.  This collaborative partnership includes the following organizations:  Missoula AIDS Council, Yellowstone AIDS Project, the Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and Community Action Region VII. 

For information contact:
Ms. Barbara Watson, 1400 Carter Drive, P.O. Box 202956, Helena, MT  59601
Phone:  (406) 994-7517
Email: ">

New Hampshire

Harbor Homes, Inc., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $500,457 to continue providing housing assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Hillsborough County (with the exception of the city of Manchester).  The program includes a collaborative partnership with the Southern New Hampshire HIV/AIDS Task Force to provide program participants with housing case management, counseling support, and auxiliary services to sustain housing stability.  The program will serve 40 households annually with short-term, mortgage, rent and utility assistance along with coordinated supportive services. 

For more information contact:
Cynthia Andreola, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Harbor Homes, Inc., 45 High Street, Nashua, NH  03060
Phone:  (603) 882-3616
Email: ">

The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $966,900 to continue providing permanent housing for individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to declining health.  This program stabilizes participants’ current housing situations and, whenever possible, seeks to ensure that they continue to remain in their own residence.  Annually, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance will be provided to 84 households and tenant-based rental assistance to 15 households.  In addition, supportive services will be provided to 200 households annually, including case management, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services.  This collaborative partnership includes the following organizations:  Merrimack Valley Assistance Program, AIDS Response to the Seacoast, AIDS Services of the Monadnock Region, and AIDS Community Resource Network. 

For more information contact:
Mr. Bernie Bluhm, Program Planning and Review Specialist, State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health, 105 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH  03301
Phone:  (603) 271-8388
Email: ">.

New York

Greyston Health Services (GHS)is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,365,890 to continue providing facility-based housing assistance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Yonkers.  This program targets those with mental illness and chemical dependencies.   GHS provides supportive housing through its 35-unit permanent housing facility, Issan House, for single adults.  Annually, supportive services will be provided to 75 households at the Maitri Adult Day Care Center where program participants will receive access to comprehensive case management and coordinated health and psychosocial services.  GHS collaborates with local community providers to provide clients access to dental care, legal services, workforce development, and vocational/educational services.

For more information contact:
Ms. Ellen Waldman, Manager of Government Grants, Greyston Health Services, Inc., 21 Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY  10703.
Phone:  (914) 376-3900
Email: ">.

Bailey House, Inc.,is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,325,494 to continue providing permanent housing and supportive services to homeless or marginally housed youth living with HIV/AIDS in the Bronx.  The program entitled, Success Through Accessing Rental Assistance and Support (STARS), leases 20 scattered site units for young adults aged 18-24, including those aging out of foster care with a history of or current substance abuse and mental illness issues.  In combination with leveraged community resources, up to 20 households annually will receive supportive services such as mental health and substance abuse counseling and vocational/educational life skills to promote independent living.

For more information contact:
Mr. Hans Desnoyers, Chief Operating Officer, 275 Seventh Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Phone:  (212) 633-2500 ext. 251
Email: ">

Texas

The Tarrant County Community Development Divisionis awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $950,966 to continue operating its facility-based housing and tenant-based rental assistance programs through the Tarrant County Samaritan House, Inc.  The program links participants to supportive services, including case management, chemical dependency counseling, and professional skills development.  Samaritan House will annually support 60 units of facility-based housing, provide tenant-based rental assistance to 22 households, and serve 75 households with supportive services. 

For more information contact:
Ms. Tammy McGhee, Supportive Housing Program Manager, Tarrant County, 1509 B South University Drive, Suite 276, Fort Worth, TX  76107
Phone:  (817) 850-7940
Email: ">. 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource and Education(VICARE) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,373,400 to continue providing a continuum of housing assistance ranging from emergency to permanent housing, for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Along with its project sponsor, Methodist Training and Outreach Center, the program represents a unique partnership between community-based, faith-based, and governmental agencies.  This program targets a number of populations including chronically homeless, rural and minority populations with varying housing needs.  Annually, the program will support 20 master-leased units, short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to 28 households, and comprehensive supportive services and case management to 48 households.

For more information contact:
Ms. Melba Mathurin, Director of Support Services, Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource and Education, P.O. Box 223235, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands  00820-4854
Phone:  (340) 692-9111
Email: ">.

Vermont

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant for $1,430,000 to continue a statewide HIV/AIDS housing and supportive services program.  This innovative program provides long-term rental assistance, short-term emergency housing assistance, and the provision of supportive services and case management through regional AIDS service organizations.  The program integrates housing, health care, and a range of supportive services, into a single statewide delivery system.  This project will support 30 individuals annually with tenant-based rental assistance and 108 households with short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance.  Additionally, 251 individuals will receive supportive services annually.  This collaborative partnership includes the following organizations:  Vermont Committee for AIDS Resources, Education and Services, AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, Vermont State Housing Authority, and HIV/HCV Resource Center. 

For more information contact:
Ms. Willa Darley Chapin, Federal Housing Programs Manager Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, 149 State Street, Montpelier, VT  05602.
Phone:  (802) 828-5061
Email: ">

Washington

The Washington State Department of Commerce is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,301,664 to continue its REACH Project (Regionally Assisted Collaborative Housing) in the Spokane area.  This program, which serves 20 counties in eastern and central Washington, is designed to meet the unmet long and short-term housing and supportive service needs of low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS.  This project is designed to maximize independent living, quality of life, and access to care through the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 64 households, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 43 households, and supportive services to 50 households.  Comprehensive supportive services include case management, counseling, and transportation assistance to sustain housing stability.  The State works in collaboration with six organizations:  Spokane Housing Authority, Coalition of the Responsible Disabled, Housing Authority of the City of Kennewick, Benton and Franklin Counties Department of Human Services, Okanogan County Community Action Council, and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. 

For more information contact:
Ms. Mollie Gaspar, Program Manager, Washington State Department of Commerce, 1011 Plum Street SE, Olympia, WA  98504
Phone:  (360) 725-2910
Email: ">

Wyoming

The State of Wyoming Department of Health is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $623,117 to continue delivering statewide housing assistance for low-income persons and their families living with HIV/AIDS to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability. Annually, 25 households will receive tenant-based rental assistance, 15 households will receive short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments, and 100 households will receive access to an array of supportive services to increase quality of life. 

For information contact:
Ms. Debi Anderson, 6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 510, Cheyenne, WY  82002
Phone:  (307) 777-5856
Email: ">

Contact:
April Brown
(202) 708-0685