Housing

ARE offers HOPWA housing assistance for its consumers through HUD Approved Housing Program:

The HOPWA Program was established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the specific needs of person(s) living with HIV/AIDS and their families.  HOPWA makes grants to local communities, States, and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit low income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.

HOPWA Services:

Clients eligible for HOPWA Housing Assistance include:

Tenant based rental assistance (TBRA):

Is financial assistance to eligible households enabling the consumers to rent fair market-rate units.  Eligible costs include rent, and utility costs.  HOPWA tenant-based assistance covers a portion of the rent or mortgage payment; the tenant also pays a portion based on their adjusted income or gross income.  All units must comply with HUD Housing Quality, occupancy and rent standards.  There is a 6 month review on open accounts for updated information and a yearly grant cycle renewal of all accounts.  On on-site inspection of the residence is required during the grant cycle.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Medical verification of status is required.
  2. Have a low income level no earning in excess of 80% of the median income for the area, as defined by Title 24 Code of Federal Regulations Section 574.3.
  3. The family of an eligible client is also eligible for assistance.

Documentation:

  1. Lease must be made to clients name and signed by all parties.  Yearly or monthly lease is acceptable.
  2. Utility bill is brought for payment is in past-due status.
  3. Social Security card and drivers or identification card with picture ID.
  4. Any form of income receiving. Current pay stub from any person’s living in the residence, W-2’s, income taxes, award letters of any kind and bank statements.

Short term rental, mortgage and utility assistance (STRMU):

Is a time and monetary cap financial assistance to eligible households designed to prevent homelessness and increase housing stability.  Consumers are enrolled into a grant cycle year for a maximum period of 21 weeks of assistance or a monetary cap set by the agency.  All STRMU housing units must meet HUD Housing Standard Requirements.  There is a 6 month review on open accounts for updated information and a yearly grant cycle renewal of all accounts.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Medical verification of status is required.
  2. Have a low income level no earning in excess of 80% of the median income for the area, as defined by Title 24 Code of Federal Regulations Section 574.3.
  3. The family of an eligible client is also eligible for assistance.

Documentation Required by HUD guidelines:

  1. Lease must be made to clients name and signed by all parties.  Yearly or monthly lease is acceptable.
  2. Utility bill is brought for payment is in past-due status.
  3. Social Security card and drivers or identification card with picture ID.
  4. Any form of income receiving. Current paystub from any person’s living in the residence, W-2’s, income taxes, award letters of any kind and bank statements.

Links for information:

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/aidshousing/programs

http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HomelessnesstoHomeownership/HIV_AIDs_Housing.htm

http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=981

http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HomelessnesstoHomeownership/PDFs/HOPWA_fund_area.pdf

Please contact ARE–HOPWA Housing Coordinator for more details or an appointment.

Tom Thayer (540) 536-5394