CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has awarded $6 million to 22 community-based organizations that will provide housing assistance and support services in 2013 to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Provided through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, CDPH's HOPWA grant program is awarded annually to not-for-profit organizations that employ effective strategies to prevent homelessness and create more healthy-living opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS.
"There are approximately 22,172 people in Chicago living with HIV," said Chicago Public Health Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D. "The HOPWA program helps us better serve these Chicagoans and offers agencies, with an ear to the community, the opportunity to more effectively and efficiently respond to their specific needs."
Funding for the 2013 CDPH HOPWA grant program increased by more than $106,000 from the previous year and includes awards to new and previously-funded organizations. The 2013 grant awards start on Jan. 1.
There are three categories for CDPH HOPWA funding:
-Community Residences Operating Support - Agencies that operate residential facilities that serve low-income individuals and families with at least one HIV-positive adult. Assists the homeless and those in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
-Housing Information Services - Agencies that facilitate access to housing and supportive services for low-income individuals and families with at least one HIV-positive adult. Helps individuals develop a long-term housing plan and assists them with benefits entitlement.
-Rental Assistance - Agencies that provide short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments to prevent homelessness for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Clients in this program may be facing eviction, foreclosure or utility termination due to non-payment.
For more information on the CDPH HUD HOPWA program and the Chicago Department of Public Health, visit www.CityOfChicago.org/Health.