On September 22, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee recommended a $4.3 million dollar cut to HOPWA for FY2012, and even larger cuts to other important housing programs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In the Senate, HOPWA was recommended for an appropriation of $330 million. The House T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee had previously recommended that HOPWA be flat-funded at $334 million. In recommending a reduced appropriation, the Committee acknowledged the effectiveness of HOPWA and noted that with current funding levels, HOPWA was unable to fund one-third of the demonstrated housing need. Despite the serious need for increased funding, the Committee still recommended a cut to HOPWA funding.

As you know, for people struggling with the disabling and impoverishing effects of HIV & AIDS, housing is the cornerstone of health and stability. Successfully managing HIV-treatment and the many side effects of treatment is severely impaired, if not impossible without, access to stable housing that provides clean water, bathrooms, refrigeration and proper nutrition. For people living with HIV & AIDS, housing is health care. Research shows that savings in health care costs support public investment in housing for people with HIV-even before taking into account the savings associated with reducing risk and preventing new infections.
Now is the time to urge Congress to protect funding for HOPWA. Contact the Housing Staffer in your Representative’s office today and let them know that HOPWA is an important program because it not only helps to save millions of dollars in preventing emergency room visits, but it also helps to save the lives of thousands of Americans living with HIV & AIDS.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask for your Senators’ and your Representative’s office; Ask to speak to the housing or health staffer and request that your member protect HOPWA from budget cuts; Click here to let NAHC know of the result of your outreach.