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HOPWA Competitive Program

This page provides an overview of important information related to the HOPWA Competitive Program. For more detailed guidance, please see Laws and Regulations.

Purpose
Types of HOPWA Competitive Grant Projects
Eligible Applicants
Eligible Beneficiaries
Eligible Activities
Amounts Available for Competitive Grants
Applying for Competitive Grants
Grant Administration

Purpose

The HOPWA Competitive Program is a national competition to select model projects or programs that address the specific needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families in innovative ways.

Types of HOPWA Competitive Grant Projects

Since 2001, Appropriations Acts have required that priority be given to the renewal of expiring competitive grants that have successfully undertaken permanent supportive housing projects. Guidance on FY 2009 renewals can be found in CPD Notice 09-01, Standards for HOPWA Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Grant Applications.

If funds remain after renewals, they are distributed under the annual Super Notice of Funding Availability (SuperNOFA) competition. Typically, funding is available for two types of projects:

  • Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS): Due to their innovative nature or their potential for replication, SPNS projects are likely to serve as effective models in addressing the needs of eligible persons. These projects included grants that target assistance to underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, and persons in rural areas.
  • New Long-Term Projects: These projects provide housing and services for eligible persons in areas of the nation that did not qualify for HOPWA Formula Program allocations.

Eligible Applicants

States, units of general local government, and nonprofit organizations may apply for HOPWA competitive funding.

Eligible Beneficiaries

Low-income persons (at or below 80 percent of area median income) that are medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families are eligible to receive HOPWA-funded assistance.

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Eligible Activities

HOPWA funds may be used for a wide range of housing, social services, program planning, and development costs. These include, but are not limited to, the acquisition or new construction of community residences or single room occupancy (SRO) units; rehabilitation of housing; costs for facility operations; rental assistance; and short-term payments to prevent homelessness. An essential component in providing housing assistance for this targeted special needs population is the coordination and delivery of support services. Consequently, HOPWA funds also may be used for services including (but not limited to) assessment and case management, chemical dependency treatment, mental health treatment, nutritional services, job training and placement assistance, and assistance with daily living.

Amounts Available for Competitive Grants

Ten percent of the annual HOPWA appropriation is awarded through HUD's annual SuperNOFA competition.

Applying for Competitive Grants

Application requirements for HOPWA competitive grants appear annually in the HUD SuperNOFA, published in the Federal Register each spring. Requirements may vary from year to year, so applicants are encouraged to read the NOFA each year.

In 2009, after considering expiring permanent supportive housing grants, HUD determined there were insufficient funds for additional competitive grants. See HUD's official update below:

To access a previous year's SuperNOFA, please click on the applicable link below:

Prospective applicants should note that competitive grant applications must be submitted to HUD through grants.gov, the Federal government's centralized grants management system. In order to submit an application through grants.gov, the applicant must complete a registration process, which can take up to five business days. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the grants.gov process well ahead of the competition closing date.

Grant Administration

The following links provide information on administering HOPWA Competitive Program grants: