The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $32 million in grant awards to assist more than 1,300 extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS annually, according to a press release.
The funding is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA), and will renew HUD's support of 30 local programs in 20 states.
In Illinois, the HOPWA 2013 permanent supportive housing renewal grants are going to Chicago's University of Illinois College of Medicine ($1,252,469) and Cornerstone Services, Inc., in Joliet ($954,716).
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $32 million in grant awards to assist more than 1,300 extremely low-income persons and families living with HIV/AIDS annually, according to a press release.
The funding is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA), and will renew HUD's support of 30 local programs in 20 states.
In Illinois, the HOPWA 2013 permanent supportive housing renewal grants are going to Chicago's University of Illinois College of Medicine ($1,252,469) and Cornerstone Services, Inc., in Joliet ($954,716).
"These grants will provide our local partners with crucial funding that is necessary to provide individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS a place to call home," said Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The comfort of knowing that you have a roof over your head makes a huge difference in the wellbeing of families and gives hope to those who might otherwise end up living on the streets."
"Having access to affordable housing removes the paralyzing worry about homelessness and enables those confronting this disease to concentrate on their health", said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator.
University of Illinois, College of Medicine, is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,252,469 to provide 37 households with Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and supportive services and 15 households with permanent housing placement services (PHP) annually, The College of Medicine previously served as a project sponsor on Pioneer Civic Services on two HOPWA permanent supportive housing grants and will now serve as the grantee. The project is a partnership with Heart of IL HIV/AIDS Center (HIHAC), and provides services to a 15-county area that targets households receiving Ryan White benefits who have demonstrated a housing need.
Cornerstone Services Inc., is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $954,716 to continue providing 16 households with Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and supportive services for persons living with HIV/AIDS, who also have mental illness and are experiencing homelessness in Will County, Illinois. Cornerstone will continue its partnerships with Agape Missions, Stepping Stones, Metro Infectious Disease Consultants, and Regional Care Association in providing services.
Many of the projects receiving renewed funding provide for specialized models in outreach and service delivery, including efforts that target help to persons who have been homeless or are at extreme risk of becoming homeless. The awarded programs are designed to increase coordination with the homeless assistance grant programs as well as other federal resources provided at the local level. These grants offer innovations in HIV care to increase job readiness and employment opportunities for persons in stabilized care. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration's Opening Doors, strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and National HIV AIDS Strategy, that identifies Housing as a key component to preventing the spread of HIV.
In addressing goals under these strategies, HUD will contribute a variety of housing resources to promote better integration of housing interventions into comprehensive HIV care systems. Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is also vital for these households in allowing them to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.
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 138 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.
