Gay Today: World

U.S. Congress Increases Housing Funds for People with AIDS

Compiled By GayToday

Washington, D.C.--By a voice vote, the House increased resources available for the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) last week, a program that will save lives by providing much needed housing to people living with HIV and AIDS, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

"The House vote was a wise act that will undoubtedly save lives by providing adequate housing that will allow people to benefit from new treatments that are greatly extending life expectancy," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg.

"Proper housing is necessary to help keep people with HIV and AIDS from being exposed to other life-threatening diseases, poor nutrition and lack of medical care which can lead to premature death."

The increase in funding levels for HOPWA -- sponsored by Reps. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.; Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y.; Connie Morella, R-Md.; and Chris Shays, R-Conn.--was passed as an amendment to the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act.

Prior to passage of the amendment, the measure funded the program for five additional years with an authorization level of $260 million for fiscal year 2001. This bipartisan amendment increased the authorization level for next fiscal year to $275 million - a figure that more accurately reflects existing and demonstrated need for additional resources.

With an estimated 60 percent of people living with HIV and AIDS requiring housing assistance at some point in the course of their illness, the HOPWA program plays a critical role as the only federal housing program that provides comprehensive, community-based HIV-specific housing.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the steep decline in AIDS deaths that began three years ago has leveled off, which necessitates housing for those living with HIV and AIDS. Further adding to the need for housing is the continued spread of HIV infections. An estimated 40,000 people continue to become infected with HIV each year, further increasing the need for HIV and AIDS programs, such as HOPWA.

While promising new drug therapies have offered hope to many with HIV, these life-saving drugs must be taken on strict time schedules and often require a special diet. Adequate housing is necessary to allow people to benefit from the new treatments.