HOPWA FAQs

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.).

*HUD publishes the income limits by area yearly. The database of income limits can be found on this page (select the year then search by state and county): https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html

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.

• Proof of HIV
• Household information including names, date of birth etc
• Household Income
• Any other documentation that would support your request for housing 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 with a utility allowance.*

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.

*Fair Market Rent (FMR) is provided by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) yearly. The database of FMRs can be found on this page (search by year then select State and County): https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html

Utility Allowance is provided by Section 8 providers in each County. Request for utility allowance by county can be emailed to rwinfo@ocfl.net.

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.

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.

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.

There are two scenarios where housing assistance could be provided

1. 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
2. If the client is renting the unit from the adult family member and a "reasonable accommodation" is determined necessary for the client.