State & federal programs
HUD HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS)
Federal rental assistance, short-term mortgage help, and supportive housing specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
HOPWA is the only federal program dedicated to housing for low-income people living with HIV. It funds Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (similar to Section 8 but faster), Short-Term Rent/Mortgage/Utility (STRMU) emergency payments, facility-based housing, and supportive services. Administered through states, large cities, and local nonprofits - funds are awarded competitively and waitlists vary by grantee. No minimum income; HIV/AIDS diagnosis is required.
Who qualifies
A quick look at who this program is designed to help.
Must have a documented HIV/AIDS diagnosis and be low-income (typically ≤ 80% of Area Median Income; STRMU emergency aid may have different limits). Grantees serve the person living with HIV and their household. Each grantee sets its own priorities - some focus on homeless or at-risk clients, others on long-term stability.
Where
Income
Age
Conditions
Insurance
Stage of care
What you'll need
Have these ready before you start the application.
- HIV/AIDS diagnosis from a licensed medical provider, photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, current lease or eviction/shut-off notice for STRMU applications.
How it works
1. Find your local HOPWA grantee at hudexchange.info/grantees (filter by HOPWA). 2. Contact the grantee directly or an AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in your area - they often hold the application. 3. Provide proof of HIV diagnosis, income, and housing need. 4. If eligible for STRMU, help can arrive in days; waitlists for ongoing rental assistance vary.
Ready for the next step?
Visit the program’s website for current instructions. Your matches will be here when you return.