August 21, 2008

Federal Housing Grants to Assist Low-Income People With HIV

A $19.4 million housing grant is being distributed to 15 states under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program to help positive people with short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance, the Burlington Free Press reports.

“These grants are quite literally a lifeline for those struggling to find a decent home while trying to manage complex drug therapies,” U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary Steve Preston said in a news release.

According to the article, Vermont—a state known for high housing costs, will receive its fifth three-year federal grant—totaling $1.4 million—which will provide housing assistance to HIV positive people who have annual incomes that are less than 80 percent of the area’s median income and who are connected to one of the state’s four participating AIDS service organizations.

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Jose, New York, 2008-08-27 04:45:24
You know what? These funds go to organizations instead of going to the people who need the money. Once the organizations receive them they can do whatever, including paying salaries. Cut out the fucking middlemen and let HIV positive people apply directly to receive funding from the federal government. Let the blood sucking organizations help only in filling out the applications.

Ben, Roanoke, VA, 2008-08-27 02:10:21
What about VA? I just received notice that my HOPWA rental assistance will END after Sept. 2008. I have had HOPWA for over 10 years and now I am just told that "funding was CUT". I just moved into an apartment 4 months ago and cannot imagine moving again.I received a Section 8 voucher 2 months before I moved, but after being assured by the HOPWA folks that I could stay on HOPWA, I allowed the voucher to expire and now I learn that NO applications for Section 8 will be accepted for 2 years. Why?

Rutherford_Underwoood, Oceania, Rhode Island,USA, 2008-08-26 11:29:24
This article is short on specifics, I have tried to access more info including whether my own state, Rhode Island,is one of the participating states in this federal assistance program. Well,IS IT? Rutherford_Underwood