HUD Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

Quick Facts

• What it offers: Tenant-based rental assistance, facility-based housing, short-term rent/mortgage/utility (STRMU) assistance, and wraparound services such as housing case management and transportation.
• Why it is vital: Stable housing improves adherence to HIV care and reduces viral loads; HOPWA is the only federal program solely focused on housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Local delivery: Funds flow from HUD to states, cities, and nonprofits that design community-specific portfolios—some emphasize rapid rehousing, others permanent supportive housing.
• Benefit scale: Many jurisdictions cover full rent for clients below 50% of AMI and pair subsidies with mental health counseling, legal aid, and employment coaching.
• Entry point: Contact your local HOPWA project sponsor, often housed within health departments, AIDS service organizations, or community action agencies.

Why HOPWA Belongs in the Directory

The FindMyMoney project includes many housing and health benefits but lacked a comprehensive resource for people living with HIV/AIDS—a group still facing higher eviction rates and medical expenses. HOPWA’s mix of emergency payments, long-term subsidies, and supportive services bridges gaps not covered by general rental assistance. Highlighting it helps case managers and clients quickly identify referral contacts, understand documentation requirements, and coordinate healthcare benefits with housing support.

Eligibility and Prioritization

Core requirements include:

1. Medical diagnosis: Applicants must provide documentation of HIV-positive status from a qualified medical provider.
2. Income limits: Household income must be at or below 80% of AMI, with many programs prioritizing those below 50% AMI.
3. Residency: You must live in (or plan to move to) the jurisdiction funded by the HOPWA grantee.

Local programs layer additional priorities—such as targeting individuals who are homeless or unstably housed, survivors of domestic violence, or youth transitioning from foster care. Waiting lists may exist, but emergency STRMU funds can sometimes be accessed faster.

Application Steps

1. Identify the project sponsor: Use the HUD Exchange grantee directory or call 1-877-438-3898 to locate the HOPWA contact in your area.
2. Complete an intake: Expect an in-depth assessment covering housing history, medical care engagement, income, and support systems.
3. Gather documents: Prepare government ID, proof of residency, income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters), HIV status documentation, and current lease or utility bills if seeking STRMU assistance.
4. Create a housing plan: Work with the case manager to define stable housing goals—e.g., move into permanent supportive housing within 90 days or resolve arrears to prevent eviction.
5. Coordinate services: Many programs require participation in case management, medical care adherence programs, or financial counseling. Sign releases so providers can collaborate without delays.
6. Re-certify annually: Continue providing updated income and medical documentation to maintain eligibility. Report household changes promptly.

Strategies for Maximizing Assistance

• Stack benefits: Pair HOPWA subsidies with Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program services, Medicaid waivers, or Supplemental Security Income to cover medical and living expenses.
• Plan for transitions: If your income rises, ask about graduated rent policies or referrals to Housing Choice Vouchers to avoid sudden rent cliffs.
• Use STRMU wisely: STRMU assistance can be accessed once every 52 weeks; schedule requests strategically to cover the highest-need months (e.g., post-hospitalization).
• Document medical adherence: Keeping clinic visit summaries and medication adherence logs demonstrates stability, improving chances for long-term housing slots.
• Engage support networks: Case managers can connect you to food pantries, transportation passes, and employment programs to stabilize other aspects of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HOPWA help me relocate? Yes. Many grantees fund tenant-based subsidies that allow moves within the service area. Some cover security deposits and moving costs when transitioning to safer housing.

What if I am undocumented? Eligibility varies by jurisdiction; some project sponsors can assist mixed-status households by focusing subsidies on eligible family members. Consult local legal aid for guidance.

Does HOPWA pay for utilities? STRMU funds can cover past-due utility bills. Some programs also offer ongoing utility allowances within rental subsidies.

Insider Tips to Win HOPWA Support

• Contact project sponsors before a housing crisis escalates—prevention services can stop evictions more easily than emergency rehousing.
• Keep a binder with medical documentation and income proof, updating it monthly so you can submit complete packets quickly.
• Attend HOPWA community advisory board meetings to learn about new funding initiatives and advocate for service enhancements.
• Coordinate with your HIV care team; providers who verify treatment adherence can strengthen your case for limited permanent supportive housing units.
• Ask about employment or education stipends—many HOPWA-funded agencies offer incentives for completing workforce training that can increase long-term stability.