HUD ANNOUNCES $32 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING AIDTO HELP 31 AIDS PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
Funding to provide critical lifeline for thousands at risk for homelessness

WASHINGTON - More than 2,200 persons who are living with HIV/AIDS and at high risk for homelessness will find a stable home and receive the services they need because of $32.1 million in funding awarded today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. HUD grants will help 31 programs in 21 states to provide their clients with three years of permanent supportive housing.

The funding announced today is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are a vital part of the comprehensive system of care for those living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is critical for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments.

"Having a stable home can make all the difference in staying healthy and living with this disease," said Jackson. "These grants will help provide more than just homes to thousands of families with HIV/AIDS who might otherwise be facing homelessness."

In 2008, President Bush is seeking a record $300 million for HUD's HOPWA program, an increase of $14 million over current funding levels. These resources are expected to assist an estimated 70,500 households annually.

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 120 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. This year, HUD is making available a total of $286.1 million in HOPWA funds to help communities provide housing for this special needs population.

HUD is providing $27.3 million to 27 existing projects and more than $4.8 million to support four new HIV/AIDS housing programs. These projects indicate they will assist approximately 2,200 households. Combined, these HUD-supported programs will leverage an additional $41.8 million from other public and private sources to provide related services in assisting their clients, representing $1.28 for every HOPWA dollar awarded.

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The following local projects are being funded through HUD's HOPWA Program. For a complete project summary of the funding announced today, visit HUD's website:

* New Project