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Dear Subscriber,
AHC is pleased to update you with several accomplishments in the
past month, as well as a look ahead at some of our next projects. Two
reports have been recently released, which examine the housing needs
of people living with HIV/AIDS in Middlesex and Worcester Counties.
Massachusetts Disability Housing Partnership has responded to federal
and state budget proposals with recommendations to ensure stable
housing for people with disabilities. And a year-long training series
for HIV/AIDS housing providers is capped with the scheduling of two
final trainings.
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AIDS Housing reports for Middlesex and Worcester County HOPWA
regions |
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AIDS Housing Corporation recently completed two AIDS housing need
and resource assessment reports for the cities of Lowell and
Worcester, Massachusetts. In 2003, both cities became Housing
Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) formula grantees. The
city of Lowell receives a grant covering all of Middlesex County
and the city of Worcester, a grant for Worcester County. The
reports will inform the cities' planning and coordination of their
HOPWA formula grants.
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Massachusetts Disability Housing Partnership responds to budget
proposals |
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Over the past two months, Massachusetts Disability Housing
Partnership, an advocacy project housed at AHC, has been working
to respond to state and federal budget proposals. MDHP is
advocating for increased funding for the Alternative Housing
Voucher Program, opposing cuts to the Housing Opportunities for
Persons With AIDS Program and Section 811, and working for
adequate funds for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program.
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AHC briefs Massachusetts CDCs |
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On February 8, AHC along with the Department of Mental
Retardation, the Department of Mental Health, and the
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission presented to the
Massachusetts Community Development Corporations on the use of
HOPWA, Housing Innovation Fund (HIF), Community Based Housing (CBH),
and Facilities Consolidation Fund (FCF) monies for construction of
new housing units for persons with disabilities.
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2004-05 Training Series finalized |
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Two final trainings of the 2004-05 AHC training series have
been set for this spring. An orientation to Achieving
Excellence: Standards of Care and Best Practices for HIV/AIDS
Housing is scheduled for April 14th from 1-4 pm. The series
will conclude with Working with the Service-Resistant Client (date
TBA).
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Free tax assistance for low-income families |
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HUD and the IRS are working to help low-income working families
save on their annual income taxes. Many of these families are in
HUD-assisted housing projects. Last year, 21 million families with
two or more children qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit,
providing tax refunds of up to $4,300. IRS studies indicate that
millions more are eligible for this tax credit but fail to claim
it. Many of these families also qualify for Childcare Tax Credits.
To locate the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, which
offers free tax preparation services, call 1-800-829-1040.
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HOPWA website redesigned
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The HUD website for the Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS
(HOPWA) program has recently undergone a substantial
reorganization. This reorganization has made a significant amount
of information regarding the HOPWA program and grant management
readily available. This information will be most useful for HOPWA
formula and competitive grantees and HOPWA sub-recipients. Here is
a breakdown of some of the key pages: |
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