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.

###