The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide nearly $25 million to help more than 2,054 low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The three-year grants will be offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew support of 25 local programs, the agency announced in a news release.
“HUD is committed to ensuring the best outcomes for HIV and AIDS survivors in our care,” HUD Secretary Ben Carson said in the release. “Through the combination of supportive services and stable housing, we will be able to assist in bringing healing to these individuals and their communities.”
Research shows that a stable home is critical to the well-being of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and results in better health outcomes and reduced transmission of the disease. In addition to housing assistance, these local programs will provide access to supportive services such as case management, mental health services, substance abuse services and employment training.
The combination of housing assistance and supportive services are critical in sustaining housing stability, promoting better health outcomes and increasing quality of life, which promotes self-sufficiency efforts for those able to transition to the private housing market, according to HUD.
Under the HOPWA Program, HUD makes grants to cities, states, and nonprofit organizations to provide housing assistance and supportive services to low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. By providing assistance with housing and related services, the HOPWA program helps persons living with HIV/AIDS enter into housing, access and remain in medical care, and adhere to complex treatment regimens.
HUD is providing renewal grants to local programs across the country, including more than $1.4 million each to Alameda County, Calif.; the city and county of San Francisco; Key West., Fla.; and Baltimore.
Cover Story: