HOPWA FAQs

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps increase housing stability, reduce risk of homelessness and increase access to care for people with HIV who have income at or below 80% of the area median income. Orange County Government administers Central Florida’s HOPWA program for the City of Orlando and contracts with local organizations to provide different levels of housing support to eligible clients.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for HOPWA:

Household member must be diagnosed with HIV or AIDS
If the household has income, it must be at or below the low to moderate income level for where you are located in the state.
For assistance in Orange, Osceola, Lake, and Seminole Counties, the household must show proof of residency (lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, etc.).

How do I apply for housing?

Contact a Housing Case Management Agency to set up an appointment *

* Please note, some Housing Assistance programs are at capacity and unable to assist at this time.

What information do I need to apply?

Proof of HIV
Household information including names, date of birth etc
Household Income
Any other documentation that would support your request for housing assistance.

Are there limitations for HOPWA assistance?

Each housing assistance program has different limitations depending on the program. STRMU is limited to 21 weeks or 147 days of assistance, short-term emergency housing is limited to 60 days.

Housing assistance provided under the TBRA program requires housing units to meet housing quality standards and be at or below the fair market rent utilities.

Additionally, HOPWA cannot assist with housing for people who are currently receiving assistance under another subsidized program like Section 8 or USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing.

Assistance is based on funding availability, program capacity, and program guidelines.

What income is considered to determine eligibility for housing assistance?

Any source of income received for all household members 18 years of age and older as well as social security payments for any member of the household will be considered for housing assistance eligibility.

Does HOPWA have a list of apartments?

No, Housing Case Management agencies work with landlords and property owners. Clients are still required to apply for housing and be approved by the property manager/owner. Property managers/owners must be willing to accept third party payments.

Can we provide rental assistance for people who are living in mobile homes trailers/ motor homes?

There are certain limitations for mobile homes/trailers/motor homes. Homes that have wheels on the ground, capable of relocating, and not attached to the earth are considered personal property and not eligible for assistance.

Can HOPWA assist someone who is renting a room or property from family?

There are two scenarios where housing assistance could be provided

If the client lives with an adult family member and the entire household is assisted and total income is taken into account to meet the HOPWA income eligibility; or
If the client is renting the unit from the adult family member and a "reasonable accommodation" is determined necessary for the client.

Can HOPWA assist clients who do not have a rental agreement/lease, mortgage, or utility bill in their name due to criminal history, poor credit, or lack of rental history?

Yes, under certain conditions. Eligible STRMU recipients must have the legal right to reside in the unit and prove responsibility for paying the rent, mortgage or utility costs.

Can HOPWA pay for moving costs, furniture, housing supplies, car payments, car insurance, cell phone bill?

No.

Does HOPWA help with mortgage payments?

Short-Term Housing, Rent, Mortgage, Utility (STRMU) housing assistance is the only program that can assist with mortgage payments if there are qualifying circumstances related to HIV. This assistance is based on funding availability and can be provided up to 147 days or 21 weeks within a 12-month period.

What are some resources for people who are felons or justice involved and have a hard time finding housing?

HOPWA agencies have specific landlords/property owners that are willing to work with clients. Locations may depend on probation officer approval if applicable.

Visit the Resource List for other additional resources via this link: www.ocfl.net/HIVCommunityResources.

If hospitalized for HIV related concerns AND income was adversely affected, then is there a possibility of HOPWA assistance?

Short-Term Housing, Rent, Mortgage, Utility (STRMU) housing assistance can assist with rent, utilities, and mortgage payments if there are qualifying circumstances related to HIV. This assistance is based on funding availability and can be provided up to 147 days or 21 weeks within a 12-month period.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for assistance?

All the HOPWA agencies in the Orlando EMSA are non-profit organizations and there is no regulatory prohibition against admitting and serving undocumented persons.

Is there a wait list for housing assistance?

Housing Case Management agencies are maintaining a wait list due to the large number of eligible households, the availability of affordable housing units, and limited funding for the HOPWA Program.

What is the process for the waitlist?

Once the request for assistance is received by the Housing Case Management agency, usually by a referral, the agency will contact the client within 3-5 business days. During the contact with the client, a preliminary assessment will be completed to determine the housing needs. The client will be added to the waitlist which is prioritized by the preliminary assessment and the date the request was received.

If HOPWA is not able to assist, what can I do?

Contact 211

Visit the HUD website for other housing programs: https://resources.hud.gov/.

Visit the Resource List for other additional resources: www.ocfl.net/HIVCommunityResources