Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Under the HOPWA Program, HUD makes grants to local communities, states, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Housing Connect, partnering with Salt Lake City Corporation and the State of Utah, provides long term tenant-based rental assistance for qualifying households. Similar to the Housing Choice Voucher program, HOPWA participants pay 30% of their income towards rent and the program covers the remaining rental costs. This program serves individuals and families throughout Salt Lake County.
All referrals for the program come from the community waitlist held by the Utah AIDS Foundation, who collaborates with the University of Utah’s Infectious Disease Clinic. Prioritization for housing assistance is based on health concerns related to housing stability with a focus on individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Housing Connect provides a limited number of housing vouchers. Additional housing resources may be available through the Utah Community Action or the Utah AIDS Foundation. This assistance may include security deposit, short-term rental assistance, utility assistance, or application fees.
