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November 20, 2007 NAHC Fall E-Newsletter
Click here to view the fall e-newsletter from NAHC. Want to receive it directly in your inbox? Enter your email address in the "Join Our Email List" box above.
Table of Contents:
November 15, 2007 THUD Appropriations Update On November 13, 2007, by a vote of 270-147 (5 votes short of the number needed to override a threatened veto, the House approved the conference report ( H. Report 110-446 to accompany H.R. 3074) the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. The measure provides $300.1 million for HOPWA as included in the President's budget and approved by both the House and Senate. The amount includes up to $1.485 for technical assistance. The Senate may not act on the measure until after the Thanksgiving recess. The President has threatened to veto the measure because it exceeds his budget request by $3 billion. Click here to access the link to The Statement of Administration Policy. Stay tuned for further NAHC updates with actions you can take as the THUD bill moves forward.
October 11, 2007
House Passes National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Bill
On October 10, 2007 by a vote of 264-148, the House passed a measure that would establish the long-sought national housing trust fund. H.R.2895 the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 would direct dedicated sources of funding for the production, preservation and rehabilitation of 1.5 million affordable homes over the course of 10 years with a majority of the funding targeted to extremely low income people, including people with HIV/AIDS. .
Passage of the bill was made possible by two key votes: the first opposing the Neugebauer amendment which would have eliminated program funding sources and decreased the goal of affordable housing units to just 750,000, and the second victory opposing a motion to recommit the bill back to the House subcommittee for further consideration. Chairman Frank (MA) of the House Financial Services Committee, who managed the bill on the floor, cited AIDS Housing in an exchange with Ranking Member Bachus (AL). Click here for the text of the exchange. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are over 9 million extremely low income households and about one-third of them lack affordable housing. After previous ill-fated attempts to pass the trust fund bill, it finally has a chance to be considered by the Senate. This is a step in the right direction for all of us. Now is time to thank your Representative for his or her support if they voted in favor of passage. To see how your Representative voted, go to http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll958.xml
October 9, 2007
On October 1, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) staff delivered 1,649 petitions (left) to Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago aldermen on behalf of city residents in favor of a $1.5 million increase in AIDS housing services. Chicago’s 50 aldermen each received petitions signed by their constituents, showcasing broad-based, city-wide support for $1.5 million in new city funding for AIDS housing. more
October 3, 2007
HASA 4 ALL Rally Attracts Hundreds in New York
Hundreds of people rallied on the steps of City Hall last week to support expanding the services of the HIV/AIDS Service Administration (HASA) to provide housing assistance to all needy low-income and homeless HIV-positive New Yorkers.
A coalition of more than 40 advocacy organizations pledged support for prospective legislation called "HASA For All" and is pressing the city to act on the draft bill, which was announced to coalition members early last month by Councilwoman Annabel Palma, a Bronx Democrat who has not actually introduced it in City Council. more
Senate Passes FY 08 HOPWA Funding at $300 m.
On Tuesday, September 11th, the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, HUD, and related agencies (THUD) appropriation bill including $300 million dollars for HOPWA. Although the Senate approved the President's HOPWA budget request, already adopted by the House in July, the THUD bill still faces a veto threat due to the $3.1 billion increase for the account over the Administration's budget request. Despite passing with a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, President Bush has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that does not match his initial recommendations. The Administration says the FY 08 THUD bill "includes an irresponsible and excessive level of spending" and that Congress should "cover the excess spending in this bill through reductions elsewhere, while ensuring the Department of Defense has the resources necessary to accomplish its mission". Given hard- lined presidential opposition, Congress must now rework their strategy to ensure that THUD programs are fully funded. The THUD bill is expected to be included in continuing resolution which will keep its programs funded for some period after the October 1 start of the new fiscal year.
Click here to view the National Low Income Housing Coalition's updated FY 08 budget chart for HUD programs.
September 13, 2007
Maxwell Awards of Excellence: Deadline October 31, 2007 The Fannie Mae Foundation, in collaboration with the Partnership to End Long Term Homelessness, will present four awards to nonprofit or nonprofit/for profit collaborations to recognize outstanding development of supportive and affordable housing for homeless individuals and families. The Maxwell Awards of Excellence program showcases the outstanding work of nonprofit organizations in developing and maintaining affordable housing. Each 2007 Maxwell Awards recipient will receive a $75,000 grant to continue its work in the field of supportive and affordable housing for homeless individuals and families. Organizations from across the country are invited to submit applications for projects. The application and instructions are available at: www.2007maxwellawards.org
September 5, 2007
NAHC Launches Policy Toolkit
Today, the National AIDS Housing Coalition unveils its Policy Toolkit. The NAHC Policy Toolkit, developed through a grant from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, translates research findings confirming the critical role of housing in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment into a user friendly format to inform public policy at the local, state and federal level.
Click here to view the press release.
Click here to view the toolkit.
August 21, 2007
NAHC Summer E-Newsletter
Click here to view the summer e-newsletter from NAHC. Want to receive it directly in your inbox? Enter your email address in the "Join Our Email List" box above.
Table of Contents:
August 1, 2007 National Housing Trust Fund Bill Passes House Committee Yesterday, July 31, the House Financial Services Committee passed the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 (HR 2895) by a bipartisan vote of 45 to 23. The bill, introduced by Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts along with 16 original cosponsors, would create a new housing program using a dedicated source of funding that would produce, rehabilitate, and preserve 1.5 million units of affordable housing over 10 years. NAHC is long-time endorser of the National Housing Trust Fund and has been one of the key organizations working towards its passage. Click here to read a press release from the National Low Income Housing Coalition with more information on yesterday's markup and on HR 2895. Click here to read the Financial Services Committee press release on the passage. If you called your Representative yesterday in support of the bill, thank you! The committee passage of the bill would not have occurred without your support. The full House is expected to take up the bill sometime after the August recess.
July 31, 2007 Call Your FS Member Right Away to Support the Housing Trust Fund
CALL TOLL FREE 877-210-5351 Call to Action from the National Low Income Housing Coalition for constituents of the Financial Services Cte Members: House Committee on Financial Services to vote on H.R. 2895 TODAY! CALL TOLL FREE 877-210- 5351 You are receiving this message because your Representative is on the House Committee on Financial Services. Please contact your Representative NOW and urge him or her to support or oppose the following amendments to H.R. 2895, the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007, which will be marked up starting at 11:00am EDT TODAY.
Call 877-210-5351 and ask to be connected to your U.S. Representative to relay the above points and this simple message: "I represent X organization (or live in X community). Please tell Congressperson X to support H.R. 2895 and to preserve dedicated funding sources, as well as the deep income targeting. This bill will help my community (or the communities I work with) address pressing affordable housing needs." Please call TODAY to support the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund! You can watch the Committee hearing by going to the following link: http://financialservices.house.gov/
July 30, 2007
Washington Post Editorial Calls for Passage of Housing Trust Fund Bill
Read the article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/29/AR2007072900920.html
July 27, 2007
Action Alert on McKinney Vento Reauthorization The National AIDS Housing Coalition strongly supports S. 1518, the Community Partnership To End Homelessness Act of 2007 (CEPHA), scheduled for mark-up in the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday, August 1. The measure will effectively consolidate and streamline the federal low income housing programs that respond to homelessness. NAHC 's Research Summit initiative includes documented findings that up to 60% of persons with HIV/AIDS have experienced homelessness or unstable housing during the course of their illness and NAHC has adopted a policy imperative making housing homeless persons a top prevention priority. CEPHA will include an update to the definition of homelessness recommended by NAHC in testimony before the Committee in June and includes important prevention and rehousing provisions, a Rural Stability program and shifts permanent supportive housing renewals to the housing certificate fund, freeing up dollars for the creation of more supportive housing. If your Senator is a member of the Senate Banking Committee (see list below), phone today, ask to speak to the staffer who handles housing. Ask that person to convey to the Senator why the reauthorization of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance programs through CEPHA is important to your community and ask support for S. 1518. All Senate offices can be reached through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202)224-3121.
Senate Banking Committee
Minority
July 25, 2007
HOPWA Mentioned on House Floor During T/HUD Consideration Yesterday, during consideration of the Transportation/HUD Appropriations (T/HUD) bill by the full House, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) used time on the floor to discuss the merits of the HOPWA program and to praise the increase in funding for FY08. Said Mr. Nadler, "HOPWA is the only Federal housing program that specifically provides cities and states with the resources to address the housing crisis facing people living with HIV/AIDS. Americans living with HIV/AIDS are often forced to choose between expensive drug treatments and necessities such as housing." The Congressman also cited research presented at NAHC's Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit Series. Mr. Nadler went on to say, "According to the National AIDS Housing Network, rates of new HIV diagnoses among the homeless are 16 times the rate in the general population, and HIV/AIDS death rates are five to seven times higher. People with AIDS who are homeless are more likely to be uninsured, use an emergency room, and be admitted to a hospital." (Note: NAHC was mistakenly referred to as a "Network" in this dialogue.) After two days of discussion and debate, the House voted to pass the T/HUD FY08 Appropriations bill, including the $14 million increase for HOPWA, bring the funding level up to the $300.1 million requested by the President. It is still unknown when the full Senate will consider the bill. Click here to view the full text of Mr. Nadler's comments on the House Floor (beginning at the bottom of column two on page H8387 and continuing on page H8388.) If you reside in Mr. Nadler's district (NY-8th), please take a moment to call his office (DC: 202-225-5635) to thank him for advocating for HOPWA.
July 12, 2007
Recent Action on HOPWA Appropriations Yesterday, July 11, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T/HUD) marked up the FY08 funding bill. Just like the President's recommended level and the House Subcommittee passed level, the Senate Subcommittee approved a level of $300.1 million. The full Appropriations Committee on the Senate side is scheduled to consider the bill today. The full House Appropriations committee also considered the T/HUD bill and funded HOPWA at the same level. It is unknown when the House bill will go to the floor. The $300.1 million level for HOPWA is an almost 5% increase over the FY07 level of $286 million for the program, but far below NAHC's recommendation of $454 million.
July 3, 2007
Call to Action: Ask Your Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 2895 The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 (H.R. 2895), was introduced on June 28, 2007 by Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), Chairman of the Financial Services Committee. He was joined by 15 other original co-sponsors, for a total of 8 Democrats and 8 Republicans, including: Maxine Waters (D-CA), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA). William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Charles Dent (R-PA), Phil English (R-PA), Al Green (D-TX), Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), John McHugh (R-NY), Gary Miller (R-CA), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Rick Renzi (R-AZ), Christopher Smith (R-NJ) and Nydia Velázquez (D- NY). Now that the bill has been introduced with such strong bipartisan support, it is time to show the sheer number of members of Congress who support this important legislation. If your Representative is not on the above list, please take some time this week and next to call and request that he or she become a co- sponsor of H.R. 2895. Here's what to do: 1. Call your Representative's office, which can be reached through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225- 3121. (Don't know who your Rep. is? Visit www.house.gov to find out.) 2. Ask to speak to the staff member who handles housing issues. 3. Once you get the staff member on the phone, tell him or her that that you are a constituent and that you would like the Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2895, the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 which will produce 1.5 million units of affordable housing over 10 years. Note that Congress is currently on 4th of July recess and your Member may be back in your district right now. This is the perfect to time to call their local offices (info at www.house.gov) or to try and grab a second with your Representative if you see him or her at an Independence Day event. Tools:
June 28, 2007
AIDS Housers Applaud Introduction of National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Bill Washington, D.C. June 28, 2007. At noon today in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, announced introduction the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. The legislation would create a dedicated source of funding for the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of 1.5 million units of affordable housing over 10 years. The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) is a long-time organizational endorser of the Trust Fund and has actively participated in the National Housing Trust Fund Campaign for many years. HIV/AIDS housing providers and clients have a particular interest in increasing America’s affordable housing stock. Recent research presented at NAHC’s National Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit series demonstrates · the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is up to nine times higher among persons who are homeless compared with persons with stable housing; · up to 60% of all persons living with HIV/AIDS report a lifetime experience of homelessness or housing instability; and · lack of housing has been found consistently to be associated with HIV positive persons not receiving appropriate medical care. “The deep targeting included in this legislation, mandating that at least 75% of funds must serve extremely low-income (ELI) families, is a particularly vital component to the bill,” said Nancy Bernstine, NAHC Executive Director. “HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects low-income populations.” Some HIV positive persons who are ill and unable to work survive solely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The national average for SSI in 2006 was $632 per month, meaning that SSI earners must spend 113.1% of their income to afford a one-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent. According the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is shortage of roughly 2.8 million homes affordable and available to ELI households. The establishment of a National Housing Trust Fund would be a major step toward solving the country’s affordable housing crisis. Representatives Charles Dent (R-PA), Philip English (R-PA), Al Green (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), John McHugh (R-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), Rick Renzi (R -AZ), Chris Shays (R-CT), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Maxine Waters (D-CA) join Chairman Frank in sponsoring this timely legislation. NAHC applauds Chairman Frank and the other cosponsors for their leadership and commitment to making sure every American has a home. ########
Tools for advocates:
June 19, 2007 House Appropriations Cte Postpones THUD Bill Markup The full House Appropriations committee has postponed their markup of the Transportation/HUD appropriations bill until sometime after the July 4th recess. The markup was originally scheduled for yesterday, Monday, June 18th. There is still no word on when the Senate Subcommittee will begin consideration of the bill.
June 12, 2007
House Approps. Subcommittee Funds HOPWA at $300.1 Million The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee completed their markup of the FY08 funding bill, passing it by voice vote yesterday. The THUD Subcommittee funded HOPWA at $300.1 million, a slight increase over the President's request for the program. HOPWA is currently funded at $286 million, so this represents almost a 5% increase over FY07. The bill now must be marked up by the full House Appropriations Cte (scheduled for the 18th), then the full House (sometime the week of the 24th), and of course will also need to be considered by the Senate. Stay tuned for a call-to-action related to next week's markup. Linda Couch, Deputy Director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (www.nlihc.org) also composed this short summary of some of the known funding levels from yesterday's mark up:
June 8, 2007
Housing Appropriations Subcommittee to Markup FY08 Bill Monday The House Appropriations subcommittee that handles funding for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) is scheduled to markup the FY08 appropriations bill on Monday, June 11 at 3:00 PM. Although the overall discretionary budget level (which includes HUD) is set at 6.8% higher than the FY07 level, this does not guarantee an increase for the HOPWA program. HOPWA is currently funded at $286 million and the President requested $300 million for the program for FY08. NAHC recommends a funding level of $454 million. After the THUD subcommittee marks up the bill we will learn what the Members are suggesting for the program's funding level. The full Appropriations Cte. is set to review the bill on June 18 and we anticipate that the full House will consider it sometime the week of June 25th. Advocates expect that most amendments and changes to the bill will occur during one of these later meetings. However, it is still important that members of the THUD subcommittee hear from HIV/AIDS housing advocates that an increase for the HOPWA program is essential. If your Representative sits on this subcommittee (see list below), please call his or her office today or Monday morning, ask to speak to the staffer that handles housing appropriations, and tell him or her that you would like to see HOPWA funded at the highest level possible. All House offices can be reached through the capitol switchboard at 202-225-3121. Please stay tuned for more information and calls-to- action after the Subcommittee considers the bill. Thank you!
THUD Approps Subcommittee
June 1, 2007
NAHC Launches International AIDS Housing Roundtable
The National AIDS Housing Coalition is pleased to announce the launch of The International AIDS Housing Roundtable!
The International AIDS Housing Roundtable (IAHR) is a forum for discussion of issues pertaining to homelessness and HIV and the provision of appropriate housing for people living with HIV and AIDS. This roundtable is a project of the USA-based National AIDS Housing Coalition. The Roundtable is intended to provide opportunities for international dialogue toward the development and implementation of public policies that recognize the critical role of housing both in the prevention of HIV transmission and in the care of people who are living with HIV and AIDS.
The IAHR consists of a moderated listserv and other distance communication methods, including sponsored conference calls.
To learn more and to get involved, please visit the IAHR website at www.nationalaidshousing.org/IAHR.htm.
May 22, 2007
House Passes GSE Bill (H.R. 1427) Today, the House passed H.R. 1427 by a vote of 313 to 104. The bill was designed to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) and also contains language that would shift a percentage of GSE profits into an Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) expected to raise $500 - $600 million a year. Despite a number of attempts, both in committee and on the floor today, to remove or weaken the Fund, the language remained. During the first year of the Fund, money would be used for housing for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The bill also contained a major victory for housing advocates, language directing that AHF money would be shifted into a National Housing Trust Fund when one is established. This makes the GSE AHF the first source of dedicated funding reserved for this larger trust fund, which proponents are hoping will be used to construct or rehabilitate 1.5 million units of affordable housing. Trust Fund legislation will hopefully be introduced sometime this summer. H.R. 1427 now must face the Senate and approval from the administration before becoming law. Experts wonder if changes made last week, which weakened the power of the new GSE regulator, may make the bill less likely to pass these hurdles. Click here to find out how your Rep. voted on H.R. 1427.
NAHC Offering a Limited Number of Scholarships to HIV/AIDS Housing Consumers to Attend NAEH Conference and HOPWA Lobby Visits in DC NAHC is pleased to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships for attendance to the upcoming National Alliance to End Homelessness conference, "Ending Homelessness: The Time is Now!" on July 9-11, 2007. Scholarship recipients will participate in NAHC’s AIDS Housing Training Institute (at the conference) and to make visits on Capitol Hill to educate Congressional staff about the need for HIV/AIDS housing. NAHC is looking for HIV/AIDS housing consumers/residents who are hoping learn more about federal HIV/AIDS housing policy, share their experiences, and become more active in advocacy activities. You can find more information about the NAEH conference content and agenda at http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/conference/2007annual. Scholarships MAY include air or train fare, conference fees, and room and board. Applications must be received by June 8, 2007 to be considered. Click here to download the application. The National Alliance to End Homelessness is also offering their own scholarships for attendance to this conference. Please click here for more information.
May 17, 2007
Alert on GSE Bill (H.R. 1427): Calls Needed Immediately to Stop Amendments to Strike Money Set Aside for Affordable Housing
Please see the below alert from the National Low Income Housing
Coalition: Several amendments have been filed to weaken or altogether do away with the Affordable Housing Fund in H.R. 1427. All of these amendments will be voted on between May 17 and 18 by the entire House of Representatives. The most serious anti-Affordable Housing Fund amendments are listed below. In particular the amendment that was accepted in 2005 that limits funds to those whose primary purpose is to provide affordable housing and has not engaged in voter registration and other non-partisan voting activates is on the list. Please contact the moderate Rs (list below) that we have been focusing on to vote for H.R. 1427, but to oppose the following amendments: Amendment #1, offered by Representative Neugebauer (R-TX). This amendment would cap the amount that could go into the Affordable Housing Fund annually at $520 million. Amendment #16, offered by Representative Feeney (R- FL). This amendment would provide that, after 2007, all Affordable Housing Fund money would be used to fund HUD's voucher program. The amendment also strikes language for the Fund regarding deep income targeting. Amendment #25, offered by Representative Doolittle (R-CA). This amendment raids the Affordable Housing Fund by allowing it to be used for public infrastructure, public safety, law enforcement and other uses, even if these uses are not connected to housing development. Amendment #28 by Representative Hensarling (R- TX). This amendment would establish anti- democratic, anti-nonprofit protocols with regard to which organizations can use Affordable Housing Fund resources. This is the language that the very conservative Republican Study Committee championed in 2005 that requires grantees to have as their primary purpose housing development, prohibits resources to nonprofits that have engaged in (or will engage in) voter registration, education or mobilization work and includes language casting a very wide net on the groups these restrictions impacts. Amendment #30 by Representative Hensarling (R- TX). This amendment would delete the bill's mechanism to transfer Affordable Housing Fund resources into a National Housing Trust Fund. All of these amendments should be opposed! Please call Bonnie at NLIHC at 202-662-1530, ext 242 (or email at bonnie@nlihc.org) with questions. Moderate Rs to Target for GSE bill (all can be reached through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225- 3121) The GSE bill, H.R. 1427 is scheduled for floor action in the House on May 17 and 18. Below is a list of the R cosponsors of trust fund legislation in the last Congresses, and other moderate Rs that should be called to support the GSE bill on the floor. They should be asked to vote NO on the anti-Affordable Housing Fund Amendments. Chris Smith, NH; Jim Ramstad, MN; Joanne Emerson,MO; Fred Upton,MI; Phil English,PA; Todd Platts,PA; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, FL; Chris Shays,CT; John McHugh,NY; Chip Pickering,MS; Tom Davis-VA; Shelly Moore Capito,WV; Ray LaHood, IL; Jim Walsh,NY; Charlie Dent,PA; Jim Gerlach,PA; Steve LaTourette; Richard Baker; Deborah Pryce; Mike Castle; Peter King; Rick Renzi; Paul Gilmore; Chris Smith; Geoff Davis
May 15, 2007
GSE Bill To Be Considered by House This Week: Contact Your Representative Right Away to Request His or Her Support
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get their Senators and Representative to sign on to the HOPWA letter. NAHC is now requesting assistance with an important legislative issue that requires action from HIV/AIDS housing advocates. The GSE bill, designed to regulate Government Sponsored Enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, includes language mandating that a portion of their portfolio be set aside for an "Affordable Housing Fund" (hopefully, later to be moved into a "National Housing Trust Fund"). This bill is expected to be considered by the full House on May 17 and 18. Please read the below Call to Action from the National Low Income Housing Coalition for further information: Call Your Representative TODAY: Important National Housing Trust Fund Vote on May 17-18 Support H.R. 1427, GSE Regulatory Reform Legislation, which includes money for an affordable housing trust fund. Call Your Representative Today! The House is expected to take up H.R. 1427 on May 17 and 18. The bill contains a provision to reserve $500,000,000 a year from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a dedicated source of funding for the National Housing Trust Fund. Call
Your Representative and urge him/her to Please use this toll free number, 877-210-5351, for the congressional switchboard and ask to be connected to the housing staffer for your Representative. Please email us at outreach@nlihc.org to let us know the outcome of your call. And thank you for your support! For more information on the National Housing Trust Fund click here.
May 9, 2007
Senate FY08 HOPWA Letter Garners Thirty-Seven Signatures
Amazing advocacy by HIV/AIDS housing advocates from across the country has resulted in the most signatures ever on a tri-partisan Senate letter to the Appropriators in support of HOPWA funding. In the letter, led by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), thirty-seven Senators from every region of the country sent a strong message to Appropriators supporting adequate resources for HOPWA and acknowledging the program's importance in meeting the housing needs of people with HIV/AIDS in communities nationwide. In eleven states -- HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, OR, NY, RI and VT -- both members of the Senate delegation signed on. Kudos to HIV/AIDS housing advocates!!!
May 4, 2007
Senate FY08 HOPWA Letter Update: Date for Signatures extended to May 8th
Thanks again to the terrific outreach by HIV/AIDS Housing advocates from across the country, 35 Senators have signed on to the FY08 Senate letter requesting $454 million for HOPWA, matching the highest number of signatures on any HOPWA Senate appropriations letter ever! The letter will now remain open for signatures until May 8th. Please visit our web page on the letter to determine if your Senators have signed on, and if not, call his or her office today.
April 26, 2007
Senate HOPWA Letter Update: Letter Closes May 4th Great work HIV/AIDS Housing advocates! So far, 15 Senators from all over the country have signed on to a Senate letter asking for an increase in funding for the HOPWA program. (Kudos especially to Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts for getting both of their Senators to sign on!) The letter will now stay open until May 4th; please continue working to get your Senators to sign on! If you made a call and you still don't see your Senators' names on the list of signers, please consider making an additional follow up call. If you have yet to make a call, please take a few minutes to do so today. Please visit our web page on the letter to view:
Thank you to everyone who has been working tirelessly this week to make sure HOPWA is funded at the highest level possible. Your communication with Senate offices is making a difference!
April 20, 2007
An Advocate's Work is Never Done: Senate HOPWA Letter Released!
HIV/AIDS housing advocates continue today on their quest to secure the highest appropriation in history for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). While the House HOPWA appropriations request letter winds to a close, Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Smith (R-OR) release their own HOPWA request letter which has began circulating on the Senate side of Capitol Hill!
The House letter, which closes TODAY, still needs attention; so be sure to make a last ditch effort to get your Representative to sign on. There are currently 85 members signed on! Click here for a list of signers and more information on the letter.
Meanwhile, on the Senate side of the Hill... Senators Durbin and Smith's letter has begun to make the rounds and already has two additional signers as it leave the gates: Senator Clinton (D-NY) and Lieberman (I-CT). The letter is set to close next Friday, April 27th, so there is much work to be done in little time. Last year, 35 Senators--including Democrats, Republicans, and an Independent--signed on to request an increase for HOPWA. This year, NAHC is hoping for even greater support.
Like the House letter, the Senators are requesting NAHC's recommended level: $168 million more for HOPWA, for a total of $454 million in FY08.
Remember, these request letters are the best way to signal to Appropriators that HOPWA is major priority for many of their colleagues and that they would like it funded appropriately. Please call your Senators right away to request that they sign on to this important letter!
Click here to visit NAHC's web page on the letter to view:
Ready...set...GO advocate for HIV/AIDS housing!
April 12, 2007
House HOPWA Request Letter Closes This Friday The clock is winding down on the House HOPWA appropriations request letter; the last day to sign on is this Friday, April 20th! We currently have 70 signers, but are looking for even more support to demonstrate to the Appropriators that HOPWA is an important priority for Members and it should be funded appropriately. Here are the current signers as of this afternoon (our letter web page is constantly updated with new signers): Abercrombie, Neil (1st HI); Ackerman, Gary (5th NY); Allen, Tom (1st ME); Baldwin, Tammy (2nd WI); Berkley, Shelley (1st NV); Berman, Howard (28th CA); Blumenauer, Earl (3rd OR); Brown, Corinne (3rd FL); Capps, Louis (23rd CA); Capuano, Michael (8th MA); Clarke, Yvette (11th NY); Clay, Wm. Lacy (1st MO); Cleaver, Emanuel (5th MO); Conyers, John (14th MI); Courtney, Joe (2nd CT); Crowley, Joseph* (7th NY); Cummings, Elijah (7th MD); Davis, Danny K. (7th IL); Davis, Susan (53rd CA); DeGette, Diane (1st CO); Delahunt, William (10th MA); DeLauro, Rosa (3rd CT); Dingell, John (15th PA); Doyle, Mike (14th PA); Ellison, Keith (5th MN); Engel, Eliot (17th NY); Farr, Sam (17th CA); Fattah, Chaka (2nd PA); Frank, Barney (4th MA); Green, Al (9th TX); Green, Gene (29th TX); Grijalva, Raúl (7th AZ); Hinojosa, Rubén (15th TX); Hirono, Mazie (2nd HI); Holt, Rush (12th NJ); Johnson, Eddie Bernice (30th TX); Kildee, Dale E. (5th MI); Langevin, James (2nd RI); Larson, John (1st CT); Lewis, John (5th GA); Lofgren, Zoe (16th CA); Maloney, Carolyn (14th NY); Markey, Edward J. (7th MA); Matsui, Doris (5th CA); McCarthy, Carolyn (4th NY); McDermott, Jim (7th WA); McGovern, James (3rd MA); McNulty, Mike (21st NY); Michaud, Michael (2nd ME); Miller, George (7th CA); Moore, Gwen (4th WI); Murphy, Chris* (5th CT); Nadler, Jerrold* (8th NY); Norton, Eleanor Holmes (DC); Pallone, Frank (6th NJ); Payne, Donald (10th NJ); Rangel, Charles (15th NY); Reyes, Silvestre (16th TX); Rush, Bobby (1st IL); Schakowsky, Janice (9th IL); Slaughter, Louise McIntosh (28th NY); Sutton, Betty (13th OH); Tauscher, Ellen (10th CA); Towns, Edolphus (10th NY); Van Hollen, Chris (8th MD); Velázquez, Nydia (12th NY); Waters, Maxine (35th CA); Waxman, Henry (30th CA); Weiner, Anthony (9th NY); Wexler, Robert (19th FL) Here are members who signed onto an appropriation's request letter for HOPWA last year and have yet to sign on this year's. If your Rep. is on this list, make sure to call and remind them that they signed onto a HOPWA letter regarding FY07. Russ Carnahan - MO; Julia Carson - IN; Ed Case - HI; Jerry Costello - IL; Christensen - VI; Artur Davis - AL; Norm Dicks - WA; Lloyd Doggett - TX; Phil English - PA; Luis Gutierrez - IL; Jane Harman - CA; Mike Honda- CA; Jay Inslee- WA; Steve Israel- NY; William Jefferson-LA; Ron Kind-WI; Dennis Kucinich-OH; Barbara Lee-CA; Dan Lipinski -IL; Steven Lynch - MA; Marty Meehan - MA; Meek - FL; Meeks-NY; Millender-Macdonald - CA; Miller - NC; Napolitano - CA; Pascrell -NJ; Petersen - MN; Price- NC; Ros-Lehtinen- FL; Roybal-Allard-CA; Schiff-CA; Smith, Adam- WA; Solis - CA; Stark - CA; Strickland -OH; Tierney- MA; Tubbs-Jones-OH; Udall-CO; Udall-NM; Watson-CA; Watt-NC; Woolsey-CA Click here to visit our web page on the letter which has:
Please share this email with your colleagues and networks; the more phone calls to Capitol Hill about this letter, the better! Thank you.
April 12, 2007
List of House Members in Support of HOPWA Funding Increases Gets Longer...
Be sure to check our page on the House HOPWA approps. request letter for the most current list of signers: http://www.nationalaidshousing.org/HouseHOPWALetter08.htm.
April 4, 2007
HOPWA Approps. Request Letter to Stay Open Until April 20--Call Your Rep.! Representatives Nadler, Crowley, and Chris Murphy have extended the deadline for signing on to their programmatic request letter which asks for $454 million for HOPWA in FY08. Additional signatures for the letter will be collected through April 20, 2007. Thanks to calls from HIV/AIDS housing advocates like you, more than 40 members of Congress have now signed on to the letter. Often, all it takes is a quick phone call from a constituent to get a Member to sign on to a programmatic request letter. If your Member does not appear on the list below, please call his or her office right away. Tools:
Here is the current list of signers (as off 2:30 PM, 4/4/07): Abercrombie, Neil (1st HI); Allen, Tom (1st ME); Baldwin, Tammy (2nd WI); Berman, Howard (28th CA); Brown, Corinne (3rd FL); Capps, Louis (23rd CA); Cleaver, Emanuel (5th MO); Conyers, John (14th MI); Courtney, Joe (2nd CT); Crowley, Joseph* (7th NY); Davis, Danny K. (7th IL); DeLauro, Rosa (3rd CT); Dingell, John (15th MI); Doyle, Mike (14th PA); Engel, Eliot (17th NY); Farr, Sam (17th CA); Frank, Barney (4th MA); Grijalva, Raúl (7th AZ); Green, Al (9th TX); Hinojosa, Rubén (15th TX); Hirono, Mazie (2nd HI); Holt, Rush (12th NJ); Johnson, Eddie Bernice (30th TX); Larson, Jim (1st CT); Lewis, John (5th GA); Markey, Edward J. (7th MA); Matsui, Doris (5th CA); McCarthy, Carolyn (4th NY); McDermott, Jim (7th WA); McNulty, Mike (21st NY); Michaud, Michael (2nd ME); Moore, Gwen (4th WI); Murphy, Chris* (5th CT); Nadler, Jerrold* (8th NY); Reyes, Silvestre (16th TX); Rush, Bobby (1st IL); Schakowsky, Janice (9th IL); Van Hollen, Chris (8th MD); Velázquez, Nydia (12th NY); Waxman, Henry (30th CA); Weiner, Anthony (9th NY) *letter sponsor
March 29, 2007
House Financial Services Cte Passes GSE Reform Bill--With Affordable Housing Fund! This afternoon, the House Financial Services Cte. overwhelmingly passed H.R. 1427, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 or the "GSE" reform bill. A go-ahead from the cte. on this legislation turned out to be a tremendous victory for affordable housing advocates in two important ways: 1. The bill passed with the inclusion of an Affordable Housing Fund (see NAHC's spring newsletter for more details)! There were amendments offered to remove the fund from the bill or redirect the money, but they were defeated. This fund creates a dedicated source of funding for preservation, rehab, and production of affordable housing targeted to very low- and extremely low- income families. The amount going into the fund will be based on the size of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s portfolios (not based on profits); it is anticipated that the fund will generate roughly $500 million per year. The fund is sun-setted after 5 years. During the first year of the fund, all money will go to the Gulf Coast region to assist with hurricane recovery. 2. The Chair of the Committee, Rep. Barney Frank (D- 4th MA), offered a surprise amendment (#033) which was adopted. This amendment marks the money from the Affordable Housing Fund for transfer to a “housing trust fund” when one is established! Essentially the amendment designates the first source of dedicated funding for a National Housing Trust Fund and gets the possibility of a Trust Fund on the books. We expect that a bill to establish a Trust Fund may be dropped soon. Click here to view Mr. Frank's amendment. The bill still faces passage in the Senate and the full House.
March 27, 2007
NAHC Spring E-Newsletter
Click here to view the spring e-newsletter from NAHC. Want to receive it directly in your inbox? Enter your email address in the "Join Our Email List" box above.
Table of Contents:
March 27, 2007
House HOPWA Programmatic Request Letter Deadline Extended
The House letter requesting an increase in HOPWA funding (see March 26 update) will remain open through next week! Please continue to call your Representatives' offices. Click here for instructions and an up-to-date list of signers.
March 26, 2007
Call Your Representative Right Away to Request Support for HOPWA: Letter closes this Wednesday! Today, Representatives Nadler (D-NY), Crowley (D-NY) and Murphy (D-CT) released a programmatic sign-on letter (see below) to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House HUD Appropriations Subcommittee requesting NAHC’s recommended funding level for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program for FY2008 -- $454 million. The President included $300 million for HOPWA in his FY08 budget request – a welcome increase over the FY07 appropriated level of $286 million, but -- far below the amount required to meet actual need. Here is the challenge: Sign-ons from members of Congress are urgently needed. The deadline for him or her to sign on to this critical letter is Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Immediate action is needed from AIDS housing providers, consumers and advocates to urge your member of Congress to sign on to the letter. Follow these easy steps to request that your Representative sign on:
Tools:
March 20, 2007
Comparison of 2006 and 2007 HOPWA Formula Allocations
HUD's website now lists the amount of CPD formula allocations for FY2007, including those for the HOPWA program. NAHC member Robert Shiau, HOPWA administrator for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, has prepared a comparison of 2006 and 2007 allocations by eligible area, including percent change.
Click here to download the comparison as an Excel spreadsheet.
Thanks Robert!
March 19, 2007
Call on Congress to Pass the Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Act of 2007 Please see the below call-to-action from the National Low Income Housing Coalition regarding this important legislation: Get Needed Resources to the Gulf Coast and Help Displaced Low Income People: Urge Support of HR 1227 One and a half years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a severe housing crisis exists in the Gulf Coast states. At least 60,000 pre-disaster low income renters remain displaced. On Tuesday, March 20th, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 1227, the Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007. Your representative needs to know that you have not forgotten the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and that you want Congress to do more to help them. For a detailed analysis of H.R. 1227, go to http://www.nlihc.org/detail/arti cle.cfm?article_id=3963&id=61 CALL TODAY using this toll free number, 877-210- 5351. Urge your Representative to vote for H.R. 1227, including the Green Amendments and the Manager's Amendment, when the bill comes to the floor on Tuesday.
March 15, 2007
HUD Releases FY2007 SuperNOFA Yesterday, March 13, 2007, HUD released their FY2007 SuperNOFA making available funding for a variety of grant programs, including HOPWA. The HOPWA competitive grants will total $28,463,000. Applications for these grants are due by May 31, 2007. HOPWA Technical Assistance grants are due by May 25, 2007 and total $900,000. Almost all applications must be completed online this year and HUD encourages applicants to begin the process as early as possible. From HUD's Press Release: HUD
ANNOUNCES $2.4 BILLION AVAILABLE THROUGH 38 GRANT PROGRAMS WASHINGTON - The Department of Housing and Urban Development today published HUD's Fiscal Year 2007 "SuperNOFA," a notice that makes available approximately $2.4 billion in funding through 38 individual grant programs (see attached list). In launching this year's grant application season, HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson strongly encouraged prospective applicants to read the general and program-specific sections of their funding notices thoroughly and to follow the registration information available in HUD's step-by-step registration guide. Click here to read the rest of the press release and find links to further SuperNOFA information.
February 27, 2007
HRSA Delays Implementation of Housing Policy Amendment Until Further Notice Congratulations, Advocates! Thanks to your efforts and hard work, HRSA has delayed the implementation of the housing policy amendment slated to take effect March 1. As anticipated, HRSA today published a notice (set out below) delaying implementation of the proposed amendment to its housing policy (Policy Notice 99-02) until further notice in order to consider the huge number of public comments received (click here to view a few). Thanks to all who provided comments directly or urged your congressional delegations to weigh in on the proposed amendment! Please note, however, that the notice does not include a change to the proposed policy which limits (retroactively) the amount of time a client can receive housing assistance through the CARE Act to a cumulative lifetime total of 24 months. More work is required by advocates to make sure a satisfactory resolution is achieved; NAHC will provide action strategies as we move forward. ------------------------------------------ [Federal Register: February 27, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 38)][Notices][Page 8760] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov][DOCID:fr27fe07-100] DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau Policy Notice 99-02; Correction AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS ACTION: Correction of policy effective date. SUMMARY: The Health Resources and Services Administration published a notice in the Federal Register of December 6, 2006, soliciting comments on a proposed amendment to Policy Notice 99-02 which places a cumulative lifetime period of 24 months on short-term and emergency housing assistance under Title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006. The amendment also specifies a requirement that the need for such assistance must be certified or documented by a case manager, social worker, or other licensed health care professional(s). HRSA received over 150 substantive comments from consumers and numerous organizations around the country in response to the December 6, 2006, notice. Correction: In the Federal Register of December 6, 2006, FR Doc. E6-20556, on page 70781, in the second column, first paragraph, last sentence: Remove the following text: ``This policy becomes effective March 1, 2007'' and insert the following text: ``In order for HRSA to consider all public comments, it will delay the implementation of the proposed policy amendment until further notice.''
Dated: February 22, 2007.
February 23, 2007
Further News on HRSA Housing Policy Amendment Implementation
NAHC has learned that HRSA staff anticipate that a Federal Register “correction” withdrawing the March 1 implementation date for the HAS HAB Policy Notice 99-02 will be published between Monday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 28. See NAHC’s February 15 update for further details.
February 21, 2007
NAHC Releases Policy Paper from Research Summit II
The National AIDS Housing Coalition has released a second Policy Paper resulting from our national Research Summit series. The paper shares the title of the second National Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit which took place in Baltimore, MD in October 2006, Transforming Fact into Strategy – Developing a Public Health Response to the Housing Needs of Persons Living With and At Risk of HIV/AIDS. This ten-page paper summarizes new findings presented at Summit II, framed in terms of three research and practice action strategies:
Click here to download the Summit II Policy Paper. Be sure to save the date for the third National Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit which will take place on March 5-7, 2008 in Baltimore, MD. More information will be available as the event approaches.
Update on HRSA March 1 Implementation Date NAHC has learned that HRSA will likely be extending the implementation date of their proposed policy amendment (12/06/2006 Federal Register) which would have established a 24-month lifetime cap on housing assistance received through Title I of the Ryan White Care Act. This cap would have been retroactive upon implementation of the new policy. This proposed policy amendment was to have been implemented on March 1, 2007; however we learned yesterday that HRSA is indicating that the implementation of any policy amendment will likely be extended to a date of September 1, 2007 and that a Federal Register notice stating this will be forthcoming. An extension of the implementation of this proposed policy amendment will allow HRSA more time to consider the community comments received and work toward a revised policy that will make the most sense for and create the least harm to the people who receive assistance through the RWCA. While we have learned this through conversations with staff in the Office of Senator Sherrod Brown we have also learned from HRSA that there will be no official action taken on this until after Friday of this week, at which time there would be communication from HRSA regarding this issue. Thank you to the many members of the HIV/AIDS and Housing community who submitted comments to HRSA regarding the potentially dangerous impact of implementation of this proposed policy. We also thank the members of Congress who contacted HHS Secretary Leavitt to request that the original notice be rescinded and a revised policy/implementation date be established. We will post updates to our list-serves as soon as they are available.
Agencies, Advocates, Clients and Congressmen Flood HRSA With Comments
According to HRSA, the agency has received 200+ comments in response to the Dec 6 Federal Register notice regarding a proposed housing policy change which would place a 24 month lifetime cap on RWCA housing assistance. While there is no way to know the substance of some of these comments, NAHC has been collecting and filing copies of comments sent by our members and friends decrying this change. In particular, NAHC is pleased with the high volume of responses from members of Congress in opposition to the change.
Below is a list people and organizations who sent letters to HRSA opposing the lifetime cap (please note that this list includes only letters that NAHC has received copies of): From members
of Congress:
Senator Boxer (D-CA) From local
and national groups: If your organization sent a letter to HRSA and you are not listed above, please email us a copy at nahc@nationalaidshousing.org.
February 7, 2007
Senator Schumer Cites NAHC's Recommendation of $454 Million for HOPWA in FY08
Senator Schumer (D-NY) issued a press release on Monday in response to the President's FY2008 budget proposal. The Senator condemns cuts to a variety of programs and cites HOPWA as a program grossly underfunded; he lists the NAHC recommendation of $454 million as an more realistic funding level for the program. According to the Senator:
"The Administration proposes a modest
funding increase to $300 million however they don’t go far enough.
The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) estimates that a bare
minimum of $454 million is needed in FY08 to maintain existing
programs, provide funding for two additional jurisdictions that
became eligible for HOPWA in FY07 and expand access to HIV/AIDS
patients stuck on waiting lists for housing and services. HOPWA
funds are used to provide safe, secure housing for people living
with HIV/AIDS. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of
stable housing in effective treatment of HIV/AIDS and shown that
HIV/AIDS patients with stable housing are less likely to engage in
behaviors associated with the spread of the disease. New York is the
largest recipient of HOPWA funding and will receive approximately $3
million in additional funding from this increase, but would receive
an additional
Click here to view the full press release.
February 7, 2007
Section 8 in the President's Budget
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) recently released a "preliminary analysis of the housing provisions in the President's budget proposal that was transmitted to Congress on Monday, with a particular focus on the provisions relating to vouchers."
Click here to view the analysis.
February 6, 2007
Congressman Nadler Sends Letter to HRSA
Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-8th NY) joined an impressive list of AIDS housing advocates in sending a letter to HRSA yesterday, objecting to a the proposed housing amendment. The Congressman is also co-sponsor of the yearly House HOPWA letter which requests additional funding for the program.
Click here to view Representative Nadler's letter.
February 5, 2007
Members of Congress Oppose HRSA Housing Amendment
Representative Maxine Waters (D-35th CA) sent a letter to HRSA on February 1st raising objections to a proposed change to their housing policy which would create a cumulative lifetime limit of 24 months of Ryan White housing assistance. Congresswoman Waters is Chair of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Financial Opportunity. Click here to view the letter.
Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, 11 Senators signed their own letter objecting to the change. The letter, directed to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt, was organized by Senator Durbin (D-IL) co-sponsor of letters in 2005 and 2006 asking Appropriators for increased HOPWA funding. Also signing on to the letter were Senators Schumer (D-NY), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Smith (R-OR), co-sponsor of the 2006 HOPWA letter, Landrieu (D-LA), Obama (D-IL), Lieberman (I-CT), Boxer (D-CA), Stabenow (D-MI), Coleman (R-MN), Reed (D-RI), and Feingold (D-WI). Click here to view the signed letter.
President Proposes $300 Million for HOPWA in FY2008
The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) is pleased that President Bush once again recognized the importance of the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program (HOPWA) by requesting an increase in funding. The administration recommends $300 million for the program in FY08, a $14 million increase over the FY06 level and the amount appropriated in the FY07 Joint Resolution recently passed in the House and pending Senate approval ($286 million). If enacted, the appropriation would be the highest funding level in the history of the program. The President’s budget request demonstrates an understanding on the part of the administration that people with HIV/AIDS require stable housing to enroll in and remain engaged in care and treatment. Recent research also suggests that housing assistance is a cost effective way to prevent the spread of HIV; it is estimated that each prevented infection saves $303,000 in medical costs. Unfortunately, once again, the increase still does not bring HOPWA funding to a level that is realistic in terms of meeting the need. Many communities across the country face long or closed HOPWA waiting lists and housing in America is less affordable than ever. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s study Out of Reach 2006, a U.S. worker must make $16.21 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment for his or her family. Additionally, in FY08, housing providers must depend more on HOPWA dollars as the Ryan White CARE Act reauthorization severely restricted the use of that funding for emergency housing assistance. “HOWPA is a cost effective and well managed program that plays a key role in the Administration’s goal of ending chronic homelessness” said NAHC Executive Director, Nancy Bernstine. “While we once again welcome the proposed increase for HOPWA, Administration support for all low income housing programs relied upon by people with HIV/AIDS is crucial.” The range of low income housing programs, including Section 8 and Section 811 housing for people with disabilities (which faces a proposed cut) are critical resources. “This budget proposal gets us closer;” said Joe Carleo, NAHC President and Executive Director of the AIDS Housing Corporation in Boston, “however, an even greater commitment to increased funding for HOPWA and other low-income housing programs is critical to ending the housing crisis faced by thousands of poor and disabled Americans, including those living with HIV/AIDS.” NAHC recommends a FY08 funding level of $454 million for the HOPWA program. Click here to download a PDF of the press release.
February 1, 2007
Some Good News for Housing in FY07 Joint Resolution Yesterday, the House approved the FY2007 Joint Resolution (H.J. Res. 20, the Omnibus Continuing Resolution (CR) for the remaining months of FY2007). HOPWA was unfortunately funded at the FY2006 level of $286 million (the President requested and the House passed $300 million for the program last Congress). According to HUD around 67,000 households can be served at this level of funding. There was, however, positive news on the housing front for other programs relied upon by low income people with HIV/AIDS. These include: $115 million more for programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to help toward the goal of ending chronic homelessness. $487 million more to renew housing choice voucher contracts as well as a directive that HUD update the formula to renew vouchers for the year using more updated voucher cost and leasing data. An additional $100 million would assist housing authorities that have experienced $300 million more for public housing operating subsidies to make up some of the shortfall in reimbursement of housing authorities for their actual expenses. Resources from the National Low Income Housing Coalition: The Senate is scheduled to take up the Joint Resolution next week.
January 22, 2007
Senator Coburn Has Submitted His Comments to HRSA. Have you? Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) has already submitted his comments to HRSA. The Senator supports a proposed amendment which would impose a cumulative lifetime limit on the amount of time a person with HIV/AIDS can receive housing assistance through the Ryan White CARE Act to 24 months. In his letter praising this troubling proposal, Senator Coburn downplays the importance of stable housing in care and treatment and argues that there are already ample housing resources available for those in need. In his letter, Senator Coburn states:
HRSA needs to hear the other side of the story from YOUR ORANIZATION and/or YOUR PLANNING COUNCIL before February 5th. Does your community have waiting lists for Section 8 and HOPWA which make it imperative that CARE Act funds be used to prevent homelessness for your clients? Does your state or city depend on the flexibility and interplay of CARE Act and HOPWA dollars to ensure that people with AIDS stay housed? Do your clients need stable housing to enroll in and remain in a treatment regimen? If a cumulative lifetime limit of 24 months does not make sense in your community, please send your comments to HRSA by February 5th, 2007. Tools:
Send comments (by 2/5/07) to: Health Resources and Services Administration
HIV/AIDS Bureau
Division of Science and Policy
Attention: LCDR Gettie A. Butts
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7-18
Rockville, Maryland 20857
Please contact us with questions and be sure to send along a copy of your comments to NAHC at nahc@nationalaidshousing.org so we can track responses.
January 19, 2007
2007 SuperNOFA Preview
On Thursday, January 18, 2007 HUD published in the Federal Register the general section of its FY2007 SuperNOFA for its discretionary programs, including HOPWA competitive grants and technical assistance. This notice does not provide a publication date for the SuperNOFA but indicates plant to publish it early in 2007. Click here for the full text of the notice in pdf format.
NAHC Releases Letter & Template for Comments on Proposed Housing Policy Change Comments on the proposed revision to the HRSA housing policy announced in the Federal Register on Dec. 6, 2006 (71 FR 70781) are due February 5, 2007. It is critical that HRSA hear from as many voices as possible from across the country on the potential impact of the proposed changes – notably the imposition of a 24 month lifetime cap on HRSA housing assistance -- on clients and those waiting for housing. You can find more information about the notice and a link to the Federal Register language by visiting this website: http://www.careacttarget.org/housingpolicy.htm. Click here to view NAHC's comments on this proposed change. We are also providing a template for local and national organizations to submit comments and recommendation to HRSA regarding the change. As you will see, several points in the comments are marked as appropriate for insertion of local anecdotal and other data about the potential local impact of the proposed change in your community. Text highlighted in red signifies sections that need to be changed to your own organization’s information. Please feel free to alter the letter or to simply use it for data in an original letter. Please contact us with any questions. Click here to download the template in MS Word. Please provide your written comments (by mail) on the HRSA housing policy revision; the comments must be received at HRSA by February 5, 2007. NAHC would also greatly appreciate receiving an emailed version of your written comments at nahc@nationalaidshousing.org so we can track responses. Thank you for your work on this important issue.
January 8, 2007
Second Chance Act Organizational Sign-On Letter The Second Chance Act is expected to be reintroduced early in the 110th Congress and we need your help to make sure this important legislation passes! The letter (copy provided by the National Alliance to End Homelessness) asks members of Congress to cosponsor and to support the passage of the bill and the more organizations that sign on, the better. Please contact Emily Bonifaci (emily@nationalaidshousing.org) by Friday, January 12th to sign your organization on to the letter. The bill, which passed in the House in 2006, had 37 co-sponsors in the Senate and 114 co-sponsors in the House in the 109th Congress. The measure authorizes a range of comprehensive services to assist the thousands of individuals leaving prisons and jails nationwide each year – including those coping with the effects of HIV/AIDS – as they reintegrate into their communities. It is estimated that the incidence of confirmed AIDS has grown to be five times higher in prison than in the general population and incidences of HIV are estimated to be between 10 and 14 percent higher. The housing-specific provisions, though modest, are an important beginning. They include authorization of a demonstration program to assist those returning in securing permanent housing and expanding the use of reentry courts to coordinate delivery of community services to offenders including housing assistance. A federal study of the barriers to admission to the federal housing programs as well as the impact of evictions would be required one year from enactment.
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