Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA)

The purpose of the HOPWA Program is to restore housing and independence to persons with HIV/AIDS and who are experiencing temporary financial crisis as a result of their illness.  The HOPWA Program is offered as part of a continuum of care to assist persons affected by HIV/AIDS.

Services

• Comprehensive housing counseling, including stabilization planning, assistance with finding safe affordable housing and the resolution of landlord/tenant concerns.
• Short-term rental assistance up to 21 weeks.
• Referral services to long-term rental assistance based on need.

Eligibility Requirements

The HOPWA Program will assist low-income persons who are infected by HIV/AIDS and who:

• Meet the income requirements of HOPWA
• Are in imminent danger of homelessness due to financial crisis
• Are in transitional housing

The Fan Free Clinic will provide services through the HOPWA Program based on need for eligible persons.  To be considered for enrollment in the program, an applicant must be a part of a medical case management system and must also be actively engaged in his or her health care.

HOPWA assistance is designed to assist persons who are able to work toward achieving stabilization and some degree of self-sufficiency.  The program cannot effectively serve persons who are:

• Unwilling to participate in goal planning
• Active substance abusers who refuse to engage in treatment
• Consistently and actively engaged in illegal acts

Priority will be given to clients who are in imminent danger of homelessness because of their increased health risks due to HIV/AIDS.  Minimum consideration will be given to those applicants who are in safe, affordable housing.  The program is able to serve only a limited number of persons per month who need housing assistance.

Application Process

The referral process can take from one to ten working days to complete.  The Fan Free Clinic will maintain a fair and accurate waiting list of those inquiring or requesting HOPWA assistance.

Referrals will be received directly from the applicant or from a medical or community case manager.  To apply:

• The Referral Agency should call and set initial interview with the Housing Counselor at the Fan Free Clinic.
• The Applicant must submit all screening and application documents pertinent to improving the participant's housing situation prior to appointment.

Enrollment

Enrollment decisions are made by a committee composed of staff from the Fan Free Clinic.  Once the committee makes a determination, applicants will be notified of their enrollment status.

Following admission into the program, the Housing Counselor will schedule subsequent meetings to develop and implement a housing plan with the participant and, if needed, with the referring case manager.