Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS

To provide States, units of local government, or nonprofit organizations with the resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive strategies for meeting the supportive housing needs of low-income persons and their families living with HIV/AIDS in order to promote positive health outcomes, prevent homelessness, and sustain housing stability for HOPWA program beneficiaries.

Formula Program: Eligible applicants include cities that are the most populous unit of general local government in metropolitan statistical areas with more than 500,000 people and at least 2,000 HIV/AIDS cases and States with more than 2,000 HIV/AIDS cases outside of eligible metropolitan statistical areas. Awards are contingent upon the submission and approval by HUD of a jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. Competitive Program: Eligible applicants include States, units of general local government, and nonprofit organizations. Additional applicant eligibility may apply depending on the competitive grant opportunity. Awards are based on competitive applications, with priority given by congressional authority to the renewal or replacement of expiring permanent supportive housing project grants. If funds remain after the renewal/replacement process, they are distributed under a Notice of Funding Opportunity. Typically, competitive funding is available for two types of projects: 1) Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS): Due to their innovative nature or their potential for replication, SPNS projects are likely to serve as effective models in addressing the needs of eligible persons. These projects included grants that target assistance to underserved populations. 2) New Long-Term Projects: These projects provide housing and services for eligible persons in areas of the nation that did not qualify for HOPWA formula allocations. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply as competitive grantees but may also serve as a project sponsor (subrecipient) under any competitive or formula grant.

There are two basic elements of HOPWA eligibility: family has a least one person living with HIV/AIDS. This includes families where the only eligible person is a minor. Medical verification of status is required; and total household income is less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by HUD. A person living with HIV/AIDS or a family member regardless of income is eligible to receive HOPWA housing information services. Any person living in proximity to a community residence is eligible to participate in that residence's community outreach and educational activities regarding HIV/AIDS.

For formula entitlement grants, the grantee's Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan are reviewed according to criteria set forth in 24 CFR 91. For competitive grants, applications are reviewed according to requirements set forth in the renewal/replacement Notice (for expiring permanent supportive housing grants) or NOFO rating factors (for new competitive grants).

For formula entitlement grants, the grantee's Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan are reviewed according to criteria set forth in 24 CFR 91. For competitive grants, applications are reviewed according to requirements set forth in the renewal/replacement Notice (for expiring permanent supportive housing grants) or NOFO rating factors (for new competitive grants).