Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)

What is HOPWA?

For more information on Louisiana HOPWA services, call 504.568.7474 or see specific regional contact information below.

In 1992 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted HOPWA--Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS--to provide housing assistance and supportive services for low to moderate income persons with HIV/AIDS and their families.

Monies are awarded to states or eligible metropolitan areas based on HIV/AIDS cases, Fair Market Rents (FMRs), and poverty rates in a jurisdiction.

How are HOPWA funds available throughout Louisiana?

Through HOPWA, the state receives housing assistance funds, which are disbursed in Regions 3 through 9.  Funding for the greater New Orleans area and the greater Baton Rouge area is administered through separate grants provided directly to the City of New Orleans and the City of Baton Rouge.

How are HOPWA funds used?

Once HOPWA funds have been awarded, SHHP requests proposals for funds from qualified community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide supportive services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  

Upon award of the funds, the CBOs provide services to eligible individuals and their households. Available assistance may include:

• Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): a rental subsidy that provides assistance to rent from a private landlord
• Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) assistance: up to 21 weeks of housing assistance, such as rent, mortgages and utilities, designed to prevent homelessness and increase housing stability
• Permanent Housing Placement (PHP): assistance with eligible costs associated with locating and placement in a permanent residence, such as application fees, rental and utility deposits, and first month’s rent

Service availability is dependent on eligibility, funding, and other factors. Supportive Services in the form of housing-based case management may also be available. Some regions also utilize monies for residential facilities with no maximum length of stay for individuals at the facilities, and staffing to assist residents.  

Who is eligible to receive HOPWA assistance?

 

To be eligible for HOPWA an individual must be:

• A resident of Louisiana
• Living with HIV
• 80% of the area median income

How can I get more information about HOPWA?

Who to contact for more information on HOPWA services:
Regions 3-9	New Orleans Area (serving seven (7) parishes: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany)	Baton Rouge Transitional Grant Area (serving nine (9) parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana)
Erika Sugimori, HIV Services Manager Louisiana Office of Public Health STI/HIV/Hepatitis Program 1450 Poydras St., Suite 2136 New Orleans, LA 70112 504-568-7474 phone 504-568-7044 fax	Madelyn Sanchez, Deputy Director  Office of Housing Policy & Community Development  1340 Poydras Street,10th floor New Orleans, LA 70112 504-658-4214 phone 504-658-4498 fax	Danette Brown,  Assistant Director Department of Human Development and Services- Ryan White Program 4523 Plank Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70805 (225) 358-1956 phone (225) 358-4503 fax