HUD AWARDS $9.8 MILLION TO HELP COMMUNITIES MEET THE NEEDS OF LOW - INCOME
FAMILIES, THE HOMELESS AND PERSONS WITH HIV/AIDS
Technical assistance grants makes HUD programs more accessible
WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today
announced 41 organizations will receive more than $9.8 million to improve the
effectiveness and accessibility of HUD programs around the country. Funded through
HUD's Community Development Technical Assistance Program, these grants will
assist local communities to provide affordable housing, homeless assistance
and housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The grants will provide $4.9 million to help communities provide affordable
housing through HUD's HOME program; $2.9 million to improve the effectiveness
of homeless assistance programs funded by HUD's award - winning Continuum
of Care initiative; and, nearly $2 million to strengthen the management of programs
funded under the department's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
program (see attached list).
"This is a good investment in better government," said Martinez. "By helping
communities and grassroots organizations better manage their programs, we ultimately
help those who need affordable housing or the services that will prevent them
from living in substandard housing or on the streets."
HOME Technical Assistance
The funding announced today will help nearly 700 communities design and implement
housing strategies that lead to more affordable housing in their areas. These
strategies include making lower income homes more energy efficient, promoting
employer - assisted housing and land bank programs and encouraging private
sector involvement in the development of affordable housing.
Homeless Technical Assistance
These awards will help existing grantees or potential applicants of HUD's homeless
assistance programs to plan for and implement strategies that result in more
housing and supportive services for homeless.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Technical Assistance
HOPWA Technical Assistance trains current and prospective grantees to design
and institute comprehensive housing strategies to meet the complex housing and
service needs of persons living with AIDS and their families. Housing assistance
and the support services funded by the HOPWA program are a vital part of caring
for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critically important
for low - income persons with complex drug therapies and potential side
effects from their treatments.
In a continuing effort to provide a broad base of skills and approaches in
HUD programs, the department expanded its reach to nonprofit organizations that
have never received funding under the Community Development Technical Assistance
Program. This year there are five new grantees that will bring news ideas and
fresh perspectives to managing programs serving those in need.
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly
among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low - income
Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people
living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development
as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD
and its programs is available on the Internet.
A list of awards is available on the website.
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