News Release

HUD AWARDS $10 MILLION TO NINE LOCAL AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS
Funding to support critically needed housing and services for nearly 300 families a year

WASHINGTON - Nearly 300 persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families will find a stable home and receive help managing their illnesses because of $10.4 million in grants announced today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston. HUD grants are provided through the Department's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program and will support eight local nonprofit organizations and one city housing agency across the country.

"The funding we announce today will provide hope for families who are struggling to stay healthy and find a stable home this holiday season," said Preston. "By offering critically needed housing to these families, we can also help them to avoid homelessness and provide the services they need to help them to manage their illnesses."

The following local programs are awarded funding (see attached grant summary):

The local projects receiving HUD grants will provide permanent and transitional housing, as well as critically needed support services to approximately 300 households. In addition to the new grants announced today, HUD awarded $19 million last August to renew funding to 18 existing HOPWA-funded competitively selected projects nationwide.

The HOPWA Program is administered by HUD to address the specific focus of providing stable housing for a vulnerable population, very low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families who are homeless or have risks of homelessness. HOPWA makes grants to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families in obtaining and maintaining housing that serves as a base to improve their access to health-care and other support.

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.

In Fiscal Year 2008, HUD is providing a record $300 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 21,000 households with permanent housing support and another 41,000 with short-term and transitional housing support to address pressing housing needs. For FY 2009, HUD is seeking another $300 million to support new and existing local programs in their efforts to provide housing and support services to their clients. For information on Federal AIDS programs, go to www.aids.gov including links to HOPWA and other HUD programs. HUD's website for the HOPWA program is located at www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing/ or email HOPWA@hud.gov.

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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.

FY2008 HOPWA Grantees

Alabama

Health Services Center, Inc. is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $997,838 to implement its Permanent Housing Plus (PH+) program that will provide permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless and low-income individuals living within a rural, 11-county service area in Alabama. The program will offer six permanent supportive housing units that will comprise of newly purchased and pre-existing transitional housing sites. The program is designed to provide short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 20 households annually ensuring that they remain stably housed. It is projected that 60 households will receive permanent housing over the three year grant period. In 2005, Health Services Center received HOPWA funding to operate a six-unit transitional housing program with a full-time housing staff. The program offers housing for up to 15 unique households over the three year grant period. To date, approximately 21 residents have received housing assistance and 77% of residents have moved from the transitional program into a stable housing arrangement. Health Services Center, Inc. has partnered with AIDS Alabama, the Greater Gadsden Housing Authority, along with the Anniston Housing Authority.

For more information contact: Rita Flegel, Housing Program Coordinator, phone: (256) 832-0100, email: rhflegel@aol.com

California

The Salvation Army is awarded a HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $660,795 to continue operation of its Confidential Services Overlay Model (CSOM), which integrates a set of supportive services with emergency shelter and transitional housing for chronically homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS. The program will operate out of the Salvation Army Bell Shelter and Harbor Light Center which are located in the Los Angeles Renewal Community. This program will provide transitional housing and residential substance abuse treatment for 47 homeless households annually and approximately 141 households over the three year grant period. The Salvation Army will identify the cost-effectiveness of the housing model by assessing the residents' quality of life, health and well-being, along with the cost-effectiveness of permanent housing. Beginning in February 2006, The Salvation Army has operated a HOPWA funded transitional housing program at its Bell Shelter. This program is functioning at capacity and is on track to assist approximately 81 households over the three year grant period. In the program year from 2007-2008, 34 clients have been enrolled in the program, in which 71% were considered to be chronically homeless. The Salvation Army has partnered with the JWCH Institute, Inc., AIDS Service Center, Plaza Community Services and the Minority AIDS Project.

For more information contact: Steve Lytle, Funding Consultant, phone: (213) 553-3253, email: steve.lytle@usw.salvationarmy.org

Florida

Broward House, Inc. is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,369,000 to implement its Recently Incarcerated Substance Abuse Housing II (RISAH) program that will provide transitional housing and substance abuse treatment to recently incarcerated individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Fort Lauderdale area. The program will support nine housing units that serve a minimum of 18 households annually, and 54 households over the three year grant period. From 2002-2007, Broward House has successfully operated a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded program called Intervention Broward (IB). This program was designed to locate and intervene in the lives of recently incarcerated individuals who were in need of substance abuse treatment and living with HIV/AIDS. Over the duration of the five year grant period, the IB program was able to engage 801 participants and provide assistance to 315 individuals, in which 94% remain substance free and 45% have not received further incarceration. Broward House has partnered with local organizations, including United Way and the Community Foundation of Broward.

For more information contact: J. Michael McGuigan, Senior Director, Contracts and Performance Management, phone: (954) 522-4749, email: mmcguigan@browardhouse.org

Illinois

Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS) is awarded a HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,097,529 to continue its First Step sobriety-based transitional housing program that provides chronically homeless and low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS access to permanent housing and on-going medical care and assistance with substance abuse recovery. Located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, the program will provide 15 units of transitional housing along with supportive services for 28 households annually. It is anticipated that the program will serve approximately 90 households over the three year grant period. This unique program relies on the system of peer counseling through "buddy" and "sponsor" relationships. Heartland has collaborated with the Mid-America Institute on Poverty (MAIP) of Heartland Alliance to evaluate program needs and necessary changes that will better address housing stability and substance abuse. First Step's past successes include placing 85 residents, or approximately 71% into permanent housing during the previous grant period. To better serve the chronically homeless population, Heartland has formed linkages with BE-HIV, Howard Brown Health Center, Provident Hospital, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, Interfaith House, AIDS Care and Vital Bridges.

For more information contact: John Dinauer, Director of Community and Treatment Services, phone: (703) 751-4006, email: jdinauer@heartlandalliance.org

Maryland

The AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc. (AIRS) is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,369,000 to implement its AIRS Permanent Housing program in the Baltimore metro area, which is designed to target underserved populations. The program will provide tenant-based rental assistance to approximately 26 households, in addition to a range of supportive services focused on medical adherence, income stabilization and growth, and family support. AIRS has built an extensive network of partnerships with local organizations which include: Esperenza Center, Greater Homewood Development Corporation, Chase Brexton Health Services, Adelante Familia and HERO Community Center.

For more information contact: Leslie Leitch, Executive Director, phone: (410) 576-5070, email: leslie@airshome.org

Minnesota

Clare Housing is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,057,428 to support low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS who reside in the Clare Midtown facility, a 45 unit apartment building located in Minneapolis. This housing facility targets those living with HIV/AIDS who are chronically homeless, or at significant risk of homelessness. This program will support 26 of the residents with project-based rental assistance annually and 39 households over the three year grant period. Residents will have access to mental health counseling, medical assistance and home delivered meals. Clare Housing has formed linkages with the Minnesota AIDS Project, Hennepin County Medical Center, Clinic 42, the Minnesota HIV Housing Coalition, Open Arms and St. Stephen's Human Services.

For more information contact: Lee Lewis, Executive Director, phone: (612) 236-9521, email: lee.lewis@clarehousing.org

Mississippi

Grace House is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,267,393 to provide transitional housing and tenant-based rental assistance to chronically homeless individuals with HIV/AIDS. This program will operate within three scattered site locations in the West Central Mississippi Rural Renewal Community, which includes the Hinds, Madison, Copiah and Warren Counties. Residents will have access to on-site supportive services through provider linkages, including individual and group counseling, rehabilitative services, and medical support. It is anticipated that the Grace House will provide tenant-based rental assistance to approximately 24 homeless individuals annually and 72 persons over the three year grant period. Grace House's network of partners includes The University of Mississippi Adult Special Care Clinic and the Mississippi State Department of Health.

For more information contact: Henry Mangum, Executive Director, phone: (601) 291-2551, email: gracehousecares@aol.com

New York

Bailey House, Inc. is awarded a new HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,355,887 to implement its Success through Accessing Rental Assistance and Support (STARS) program. The STARS program will offer permanent housing through the provision of tenant-based rental assistance to 34 individuals, between the ages of 18 and 24, who are struggling with substance abuse and/or mental illness. This program is designed to connect individuals living within the Bronx neighborhoods of Hunts Point, Morrisania and Mott Haven, to medical care and a range of supportive services. Bailey House has also partnered with Iris House and the Project Psychiatric Outreach for the Homeless and the Mental Health Empowerment Project.

For more information contact: Jeanette Ruffins, Deputy Director, Client Services, phone: (212) 633-2500 ext. 226, email: jruffins@baileyhouse.org

Texas

The City of Dallas, Environmental and Health Services Department, is awarded a HOPWA Special Project of National Significance grant of $1,183,680 to provide transitional housing to 62 households over the three year grant period. The program will operate out of the new state-of-the-art homeless assistance center, The Bridge, which is a centralized access point to multiple services for the chronically homeless. Residents will have access to ongoing rental assistance and/or transitional housing for a period, not to exceed 24 months while working to become independent and to obtain permanent housing through means of their own. Past successes have shown during the grant period of 2005-2006, that the program has served 42 clients, in which approximately 93% are stably housed. The City of Dallas will partner with the AIDS Arms & Parkland Hospital System, AIDS Interfaith Network Community Dental Care, Legacy Counseling Center, Legal Hospice of Texas, Open Arms, Inc., and the Resource Center of Dallas.

For more information contact: Karen Rayzer, phone: (214) 670-5711, email: karen.bradford@dallascityhall.com