HUD AWARDS $781,269 TO ALASKA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ALASKANS WITH HIV/AIDS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness

ANCHORAGE - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that extremely low-income Alaskans living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of a $781,269 grant to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

The award is a renewal of AHFC’s permanent supportive housing grant under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program and will enable the Corporation, in collaboration with the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, to provide tenant-based rental assistance to 13 households and short-term mortgage, rent, and utility assistance to 25 households Anchorage, and rural areas across south central, southwestern, and western Alaska. AHFC was one of 28 organizations in 17 states to receive renewal funding awards totaling $32.9 million today.

“These grants offer housing, vital healthcare and hope to hundreds of households that combine to literally save lives,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Having stable housing can make all the difference to the health of someone living with HIV/AIDS who might otherwise be struggling to live on our streets.”

“We are pleased to announce a renewal of funding that will sustain the good work of AHFC and the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association in meeting the needs of some of Alaska’s most vulnerable residents,” said HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary McBride. “A stable, affordable housing environment should make it easier for them to address the health care challenges they face.”

Many of the projects receiving renewed funding provide for specialized models in outreach and service delivery, including efforts that target help to persons who have been homeless or at extreme risk of becoming homelessness. These grants offer innovations in HIV care to increase job readiness and employment opportunities for persons in stabilized care. The grants announced today also support the Opening Doors, the Obama Administration’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.

In addressing goals under these strategies, 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 135 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Earlier this year, HUD awarded these jurisdictions nearly $300 million in formula grants. This year, HUD had made available a total of $332 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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 125 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year HUD is making available $332 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.

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