HOPWA - Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
The Housing Opportunitites for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program was authorized byb the National Affordable Housing Act in 1990 and amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. HOPWA funding is awarded under grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Grantee for this funding is the City of Orlando which provides housing assistance to the four county areas of Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole. The Health Council of East Central Florida, Inc., under contract with the City of Orlando, serves as the project sponsor for the HOPWA funds.
As project sponsor for the HOPWA program, the Health Council issues a request for proposals (RFP) annually to contract with local non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies to provide housing services. For fiscal year 2003-2004, six local agencies have been selected to provide services.
GOVERNANCE
The HOPWA program's main focus is to prevent homelessness in our HIV/AIDS community. The program is eligibility based and provides housing assistance to low-income persons and their families. Services include direct assistance for short-term rent, mortgage and utilites, as well as tenant-based and facility-based housing assistance. A wide range of housing supportive services are also provided.
Ryan white Title I
The Health Council of East Central Florida, Inc. provides data and research support for the Ryan White Title I - Orlando EMA Health Services Planning Council. The Health Council's participation on the RWI Planning Council enhances the health planning strength of Council Members with ongoing trainings, technical assistance and the sharing of health planning expertise.
The Health Council of East Central Florida is also the management agency of the RWI Transitional Housing service category and contracts with Community Service Agencies (CSA) to provide transitional housing (90 days) to eligible HIV + consumers. The Health Council provides Transitional Housing program development and fiscal/program monitoring and reporting.