HOPWA Distributes $21.5 Million to AIDS Housing Programs Across Country

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Monday awarded $21.5 million in grants to 22 programs in 18 states and the District of Columbia as "part of a competition to continue operating existing programs around the country," according to a HUD release. Administered in collaboration with 44 nonprofit groups, the awards will help provide housing assistance and support services to more than 4,600 low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. HOPWA will distribute a total of $257 million to metropolitan areas and states this year, and President Bush has proposed adding another $20 million to the program next year. HUD Secretary Mel Martinez said, "These programs are making a tremendous difference. When people are sick, the last thing they need is to struggle for a decent place to live" (HUD release, 6/18).