Census Update Results in HOPWA Funding Changes in New England
In June 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the White House updated its definitions of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States based on data gathered in the 2000 census. The federal government uses these definitions to determine funding levels for many of its programs. The Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA) program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was one of the programs significantly affected by this update.
Ninety percent of the HOPWA money given out each year is distributed according to a formula (the other 10% is distributed through competitive grants). This formula looks at the OMB-defined MSAs and at states as a whole. If the ratio of HIV cases/total population within a particular MSA or state crosses a certain threshold, then that area or state is automatically granted HOWPA funds. Areas that receive formula money are referred to as Eligible MSAs or EMSAs. HOPWA 'formula' monies are administered by the largest city in a metropolitan area or by a state government. In Massachusetts, for example, Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, and Worcester administer formula funds in their respective EMSAs, and the Department of Public Health (DPH) administers formula funds for the state of Massachusetts.
For the HOPWA program, the changes took effect in the 2004 federal fiscal year, which began October 1, 2003. In some parts of the country, the changes that resulted from the new metropolitan maps are significant. Five redefined MSAs no longer qualify for formula HOPWA money, threatening the housing stability of people with HIV disease currently housed with those funds. At the same time, 11 MSAs became eligible to begin receiving HOPWA dollars. New England has three of these new HOPWA formula areas (i.e., EMSAs): Bridgeport, CT; Cambridge, MA; and Worcester, MA.
In addition to the loss and addition of EMSAs, the shape of some EMSAs changed significantly. The Boston EMSA, for example, used to cover much of Essex and Middlesex Counties. Middlesex county is now a part of the newly created Cambridge EMSA. This means that the City of Boston will no longer be able to fund its programs in those areas. Essex County, no longer a part of an EMSA, is now funded by a "balance of state" HOPWA grant administered by DPH. At the same time, MA's balance of state grant has been reduced significantly, by 53%. Similarly, CT's balance of state grant has been drastically reduced, by 70%.
As new HOWPA grantees take over some areas and programs formerly covered by other grantees, they will face important decisions. Will new grantees preserve existing AIDS housing programs in their area or will they choose to create new housing programs? AIDS Housing Corporation and its partner agency in CT, the Connecticut AIDS Residence Coalition, is working closely with new and existing grantees to advocate for the preservation of housing resources representing years of experience and knowledge. As all of the grantees move forward with their planning, it will be important that they hear from providers and consumers in their area about local AIDS housing needs.
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