The following is a press release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
FORTUNE SOCIETY TO AID PERSONS WITH HIV-AIDS
Funding supports stable housing for individuals and families at extreme risk for homelessness
NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development just announced that the Fortune Society, a nationally-respected New York City-based non-profit organization that develops model programs that help former prisoners successfully re-enter their communities, has been awarded $1,180,129 to continue its successful housing program for persons with a criminal justice background and living with HIV/AIDS.
The funding announced today is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD’s support of 30 local programs in 20 states, including New York and New Jersey.
“These grants will provide our local partners with crucial funding that is necessary to provide individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS a place to call home,” said Acting Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols. “The comfort of knowing that you have a roof over your head makes a huge difference in the wellbeing of families and gives hope to those who might otherwise end up living on the streets.”
“Housing is an important stabilizing force in the lives of formerly incarcerated men and women and their families,” said JoAnne Page, President and CEO of The Fortune Society. “And for Fortune clients who have HIV/AIDS, the need for secure, supportive housing is even more critical. HIV prevalence is four times higher among people in jail and prison than in non-incarcerated populations. That’s why this grant is so crucial. We are grateful to Secretary Donovan and HUD for helping us to provide housing to our clients who need it the most.”
Many of the projects receiving renewed funding provide for specialized models in outreach and service delivery, including efforts that target help to persons who have been homeless or are at extreme risk of becoming homeless. The awarded programs are designed to increase coordination with the homeless assistance grant programs as well as other federal resources provided at the local level. These grants offer innovations in HIV care to increase job readiness and employment opportunities for persons in stabilized care. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, and National HIV AIDS Strategy, that identifies Housing as a key component to preventing the spread of HIV.
In addressing goals under these strategies, HUD will contribute a variety of housing resources to promote better integration of housing interventions into comprehensive HIV care systems. Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is also vital for these households in allowing them to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.
Ninety percent of HOPWA funds are distributed by formula to cities and states based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HUD’s formula grants are managed by 138 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Overall, these resources assist over 60,000 households annually to provide stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.
For more information about the Fortune Society, please contact Stanley Richards, Senior Vice President of Programs at (646) 308-6979 and/or email: srichards@fortunesociety.org.
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