HOPWA

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Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HOPWA program provides housing assistance and related supportive services to low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Its primary goal is to prevent homelessness and support housing stability for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

HOPWA is the only federal program dedicated to addressing the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring that this vulnerable population has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program funds a variety of eligible activities designed to provide housing assistance and related supportive services to low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. These activities aim to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability for program participants. Below are the eligible activities under HOPWA:

Key Components of HOPWA Program 

1. Housing Assistance:

•  HOPWA funds can be used to provide various forms of housing support, including rental assistance, short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments, and supportive housing services.

 2. Supportive Services:

•  In addition to housing, HOPWA funds may be used for supportive services such as case management, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job training, and other resources that help individuals maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life.

3. Eligible Populations:

•  The program is designed for low-income individuals and families where at least one member is living with HIV/AIDS.

4. Community-Based:

• The program is implemented through local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners who manage the distribution of funds and services.

Eligible Activities

1. Housing Assistance:

   •  Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Long-term rental subsidies provided directly to low-income individuals and families to secure stable housing.
   • Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance (STRMU): Short-term emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility payments to prevent homelessness for individuals and families who are temporarily at risk of losing their housing.
   • Permanent Housing Placement (PHP): Assistance with housing search and placement services, including costs such as first month's rent and security deposits to help individuals and families move into permanent housing.
   • Facility-Based Housing Assistance: Support for operations of housing facilities that provide shelter or housing for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including transitional and permanent housing.

2. Supportive Services:

   • Case Management: Services that assist individuals and families in accessing and maintaining stable housing, including help with obtaining benefits, healthcare, and other services.
   • Mental Health Services: Counseling and other mental health services aimed at improving the well-being and stability of participants.
   • Substance Abuse Treatment and Counseling: Support services that help individuals address substance abuse issues to improve housing stability and overall health.
   • Job Training and Employment Services: Programs that provide skills training, job search assistance, and employment services to help individuals gain economic independence.

3. Housing Information Services:

   • Includes housing counseling, housing search, and placement services to help individuals find appropriate housing that meets their needs.

4. Resource Identification:

   • Activities that establish, coordinate, and develop housing assistance resources for eligible individuals and families, such as identifying new housing opportunities and improving access to housing programs.

5. Operating Costs for Housing Facilities:

   • Funds to cover the operating costs of HOPWA-funded housing facilities, such as maintenance, utilities, and insurance, ensuring that the facilities remain safe and habitable.

6. Technical Assistance:

   • Support for the development and management of HOPWA programs, including training and capacity building for program staff.

7. Project-Based Assistance:

   • HOPWA funds can be used to develop or support housing projects that provide long-term, stable housing for eligible individuals and families.

Administrative Costs

• Up to 7% of the total HOPWA grant may be used for administrative costs related to the management and oversight of the program, including salaries, office supplies, and other related expenses for grantees and project sponsors.

Other Activities

• Program Income: Grantees may retain income generated from activities funded by HOPWA (e.g., rent or fees) for use in eligible program activities.

These activities are aimed at enhancing housing stability and supporting the overall health and well-being of persons living with HIV/AIDS, while addressing their immediate housing needs.

HOPWA Project Sponsor Resources

• Client File Checklist
•  HIV Status Verification
• HOPWA Rental Assistance Guidebook
• HOPWA Policies & Procedures
• HOPWA HQS Habitability Standards
•  HUD HOPWA Guidance
• Income Calculations
• Protecting Personal Identifiable Information
• Utility Allowance Worksheets

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Content current as of September 20, 2024.