Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Housing stability is a vital part of the successful management and treatment of HIV/AIDS, allowing for individuals to access comprehensive healthcare and adhere to treatment protocols in a safe and stable environment. Under the HOPWA program, HUD makes grants to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
HOPWA funds may be used for a wide range of housing, supportive services, and program planning costs. These include, but are not limited to
- Facility-based housing development;
- Facility-based housing operations;
- Tenant-based rental assistance;
- Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness; and
- Supportive services including (but not limited to) assessment and case management, chemical dependency treatment, mental health treatment, nutritional services, job training and placement assistance, and assistance with daily living.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
Low-income persons (at or below 80 percent of area median income) that are medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families are eligible to receive HOPWA-funded assistance.
Eligible Applicants:
Formula grants: Metropolitan areas with a population of more than 500,000 and at least 1,500 cumulative AIDS cases are eligible for HOPWA formula grants. States with more than 1,500 cumulative AIDS cases (in areas outside cities eligible to receive HOPWA funds) are also eligible to receive HOPWA formula grants.
Competitive grants: States, units of general local government, and nonprofit organizations may apply for HOPWA competitive funding.
Funding Mechanism:
Ninety percent of funds are allocated by formula to eligible states and eligible metropolitan statistical areas (EMSAs). The largest city in the EMSA serves as the grant recipient and is responsible for identifying and implementing grant activities across the entire metropolitan area. The community’s Consolidated Plan serves as its application to HUD for HOPWA (formula) funds. Each grantee awards funds to project sponsors based on the needs and priorities outlined in its Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.
Ten percent of funds are awarded through a competitive process. Since 2001, Appropriations Acts have required that priority be given to the renewal of expiring competitive grants that have successfully undertaken permanent supportive housing projects. If funds remain after renewals, they are distributed through an annual competition.
