BOISE - The Idaho Housing and Finance Association is now accepting applications for over $757,000 in housing assistance available for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS, IHFA officials announced today. This is the first time such funding has been available in Idaho.

The $757,000 came in the form of a federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant last fall. The money will be used to stabilize individuals’ housing by providing rental assistance for up to three years. Those eligible for assistance must have tested positive for HIV, be below 80 percent of the area median income, and able to live independently. Individuals currently receiving Section 8 Rental Assistance are not eligible for this program.

IHFA provides federal rental assistance to approximately 3,000 low-income families across the state. This funding will assist 384 individuals and families—who have a member living with HIV/AIDS—through rental assistance and supportive services. IHFA will maintain a statewide waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals interested in applying for assistance must complete a confidential application packet including:

• HOPWA application,
• certification of eligibility,
• participant information form, and
• housing stability assessment.

Application packets can be obtained by calling the Housing Information and Resource Center (HIRC) toll-free at 1-877-438-4472, or by downloading a copy. Completed applications must be mailed to IHFA at P.O. Box 7899, Boise, 83707-1899; walk-ins will not be accepted. For more information, call the HIRC toll-free number.