Request for Application Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program

Description

Introduction The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, established by the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act, is the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Under the HOPWA program, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) makes grants to local communities, states, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. The HOPWA program was authorized by the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act of 1992 and is funded through HUD in accordance with Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 574 (24 CFR Part 574). The HOPWA program goals are to: (1) increase housing stability, (2) reduce the risk of homelessness, and (3) increase access to care and support.HOPWA funding is flexible and supports a wide range of eligible housing activities and support services so that project sponsors may customize programs based on community housing and service needs, special sub-populations served, and other available public and private resources. Persons living with HIV/AIDS confront unique barriers to accessing housing, care, and services. These challenges are compounded by experiences of housing discrimination, stigma, or limited local affordable housing options, and often jeopardize an individual’s chances of remaining stably housed. Research consistently shows that housing is a critical component of HIV