HUD awards $1.3M to support Milwaukee HIV-AIDS housing programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced over $1.3 million to assist low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families in Wisconsin.

The funding is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will provide a combination of housing assistance and supportive services for this vulnerable population. HUD is renewing funding to the Milwaukee-based AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin for $1,339,000.

“We know there’s a strong connection between health and stable housing. Having a place to call home can make a world of difference to someone who is trying to not only manage their health but also to avoid experiencing homelessness,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “These grants will assist our partners on the ground who provide housing and care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS.”

“This new funding in Wisconsin will ensure an improved quality of life for HUD assisted residents to focus on staying healthy in a stable home environment,” said HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph P. Galvan.

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW), is awarded a HOPWA permanent supportive housing renewal grant of $1,339,000 to continue providing 47 dually diagnosed and/or mentally ill individuals and their families with tenant based rental assistance and supportive services throughout the State of Wisconsin annually.

Research shows that a stable home is critical to the well-being of persons living 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.

Since 1992, HUD’s HOPWA Program, managed by the Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, has provided national leadership and resources that support the development and operation of high-quality supportive housing programs. 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.