The housing opportunities for persons with aids (HOPWA) program was authorized through the aids housing opportunity act (42 USC CH. 131) and created to address the housing needs of low-income…

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development awarded the Puerto Rico Department of Health $2.54 million on September 22, 2025, under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program (CFDA 14.241) for a three-year period of performance ending September 21, 2028. The award funds housing assistance, supportive services, program planning, and development costs for low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families across Puerto Rico, with administrative oversight in San Juan.

The recipient provides tenant-based rental assistance through pass-through awards to eight municipal governments: Mayaguez, Camuy, Juana Diaz, Yabucoa, Jayuya, San German, Hormigueros, and Ponce, as well as Municipio De Yauco and Municipio De Cabo Rojo. Three nonprofit organizations—Hogar Crea, Inc., Bill's Kitchen, Inc., and Casa Joven Del Caribe, Inc.—deliver transitional housing and supportive services. Consorcio De La Region SUR De Puerto Rico, Inc. provides short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance and supportive services. Sub-awards were dated June 27 and June 30, 2025. Hogar Crea, Inc. received three separate sub-awards (including one designated for its Arecibo location) to deliver transitional housing and supportive services targeting persons experiencing homelessness and those with HIV/AIDS. The formula grant is contingent on the Puerto Rico Department of Health's submission and HUD approval of a consolidated plan and annual action plan identifying eligible HOPWA activities under 24 CFR 574.300.

Activities

Hopwa formula awards are contingent upon the submission and approval by HUD of a jurisdiction's consolidated plan and annual action plan. Grantees must identify the eligible hopwa activities at 24 code of federal regulations (CFR) 574.300 that will be implemented with grant funding in the jurisdiction's consolidated plan and annual action plan. Housing assistance can be provided in the form of permanent housing which includes tenant-based (scattered site) and facility-based (subsidized payment on a specific building, unit, or project) rental assistance, or through transitional or short-term housing assistance.

Expected outcomes

Hopwa program activities focus on establishing stable housing, reducing risk of homelessness, and improving access to healthcare and supportive services. Hopwa formula grantees are required to submit annual performance reports on grant expenditures, activities undertaken, program accomplishments, and household outcomes related to housing stability; homelessness prevention, and access to care and support. Hopwa formula program grantees must annually submit reporting form HUD-4155: consolidated annual progress report and consolidated annual performance and evaluation report to HUD 90 days after the end of each program or operating year. Hopwa performance profiles are generated quarterly for all agencies receiving hopwa grants, and are accessible here: https://WWW.hudexchange.info/programs/hopwa/hopwa-performance-profiles/

Intended beneficiaries

Eligibility for hopwa is limited to individuals and families who have: (1) at least one person with an HIV diagnosis. This includes families where the only eligible person is a minor. Medical verification of status is required; and 2) a total household income that does not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI), as defined by HUD. A person with HIV or a family member regardless of income is eligible to receive hopwa housing information services. Any person living in proximity to a community residence is eligible to participate in that residence's community outreach and educational activities regarding HIV/aids.

Subrecipient activities

The subrecipient activities are unknown at the time of award.