Congresswoman Pelosi Secures $204 Million for AIDS Housing Program
Pelosi Also Gets $500,000 for the University of San Francisco
Center for International Business Education
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured $204 million dollars for the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS Program (HOPWA) as part of the VA-HUD-Independent Agencies Appropriations Bill. "This important program has made a significant difference in the lives of many people with HIV/AIDS across the country," Pelosi said.
Major advances have been made in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, but because of the costs associated with these new medical treatments, some people will be forced to choose between getting their medicine and providing for some of their basic needs like housing. The demands on this program continue to grow. In FY'97 there were five new eligible jurisdictions. In FY'98 it was estimated there would be 10 new eligible jurisdictions. "This appropriation represents an $8 million increase over last year, and will help us address some of this projected growth," Pelosi said.
At any given time, one-third to one-half of all Americans with AIDS are either homeless or in danger of losing their homes. "HOPWA answers this need, providing a safe and secure place where people who are battling AIDS can continue their fight without the fear of being left on the street," Pelosi said.
In addition, Rep. Pelosi secured $500,000 for the University of San Francisco Center for International Business Education. The program is focused, in part, on training environmental managers in California and overseas who will work to ensure that increased trade doesn't come at the expense of the environment.
These funding levels are included in House-Senate Conference Committee reports.
