HUD Awards $24M to Renew Support to Local HIV/AIDS Housing Programs
HUD recently announced $24 million in grants to assist more than 1,200 low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families annually. These grants provide a combination of housing assistance and supportive services for this vulnerable population. The funding is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD’s support of 25 local programs.
According to HUD, research shows that a stable home is critical to the health of persons with HIV/AIDS, and results in better health 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.