Important:  Please note the following key points before you apply for assistance.

• Although AIDGwinnett does have a small housing assistance program for persons living with HIV, unfortunately the level of funding for this program is very limited.
   
• Strict regulations allow us to provide a very limited level of housing assistance only under certain eligibility criteria.  An applicant who does not meet all of the necessary eligibility criteria cannot receive services.
     
• Eligibility criteria for our housing program include:
• Must be enrolled as a client of AIDGwinnett for at least 30 days
• Must have documentation of total household income, residence and HIV status
• Total household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines
     
• We have very limited funding for our housing services and financial assistance.  Our budget for these two programs is often completely exhausted.
    
• You may be informed that a waiting list exists for certain programs.  This means we currently lack adequate funding to support new applications.  We will still accept new applications, but they will not be considered until we receive additional new funding.  Applications on the waiting list will be reviewed in the order in which they were received.
    

• Whenever we grant housing assistance to a client, we seek to stabilize his or her housing situation with the long-term goal of helping the client gain self-sustainability.  It is our goal to help clients gain independence and become able to pay for bills and housing on their own.  Our goal is not to provide permanent ongoing housing, and not to pay for all your bills.

If you are interested in applying for this housing assistance, you should contact your assigned case manager first.  An in-person appointment is required.

Specifically, the AIDGwinnett housing program is called "Tenant Based Rental Assistance" (TBRA).  This program is for clients with families and/or clients who are unable to pay rent due to progression of illness.  Clients may be waiting for their health to return so they can continue work or clients may be waiting for disability benefits to begin.  TBRA is for 12 months.  At the present time we have a waiting list for new applications for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) because no funding is available to support new applications.  Of course, you may still submit an application, but your application will not be reviewed until we received additional funding.  Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they were received.  The Client Services Advisory Committee reviews these applications and makes recommendations to approve or deny assistance based on eligibility.

If you submit an application for TBRA assistance, and if your application is reviewed and approved, AIDGwinnett will pay a small, subsidized portion of your rent (amount of subsidy is based on an income formula).  You will be required to sign a lease with a landlord and you will be you will be financially and legally obligated to abide by the requirements of the lease and to ensure payment.  AIDGwinnett sends the small rental subsidy directly to the landlord - not to you.  You will be responsible for paying the entire remaining balance directly to the landlord.  The goal of this program is to allow clients an opportunity to work on financial independence.  Some clients have been able to finish school or technical training to pursue careers and others have been able to take part in programs to help first time home owners.

Funding for housing assistance at AIDGwinnett is made possible by a grant from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) managed by the City of Atlanta Office of Grants Management.

In addition to the Tenant Based Housing Assistance program, AIDGwinnett also implements an Emergency Financial Assistance program (EAF).  This program provides very limited financial assistance to help eligible clients pay for utilities or rent/ mortgage for a 21 week period.  To be eligible for the program, applicants are required to show proof of incurred extraordinary expenses.  A late notice on rent, mortgage or utilities is required.  AIDGwinnett case managers must verify the amount owed.  Clients with no income are not eligible for this particular service.

Housing assistance programs are made possible by a grant from the City of Atlanta Office of Grants Management, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program.