Last week the Senate passed H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) which includes the modernization of the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) formula. The measure will ensure that the HOPWA formula reflects today’s HIV epidemic. The bill phases in a formula change over five years, factoring in local housing costs and poverty rates, and capping grantee losses at 5% and gains at 10% of the prior year allocation. The House passed H.R. 3700 in February so the measure should go to the President’s desk shortly. Access to affordable housing is one of the greatest unmet needs of people living with HIV.

AIDS United is delighted at the passage of HOPWA Modernization, and is looking forward to continue working in coalition and alongside supportive members of congress to insure that the program is adequately funded so that people served by the program are adequately housed without interruption. To that end Congress must increase funding for the HOPWA program by $40 million, for a total of $375 million.

AIDS United and allies will continue advocating to increase funds for the HOPWA programs which has proven successful in keeping people with HIV in treatment, leading to better health outcomes. For questions, please reach out to Director of Government Affairs, Carl Baloney at cbaloney@aidsunited.org.

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