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SEP-01-98 TUE 10:30 THE SALVATION AR/1Y FAX NO. 6123384717 P. 03 • p. Need for this Project The need for these units for Single Parent Families with HIV/AIDS is highlighted in the 1997 update of the Housing Needs Assessment for Persons with HIV/AIDS that was done by the Coalition for Housing for People with HIV and the Minnesota Department of Health. The Coalition did their first assessment in January of 1995 to determine the housing needs of people with HIV in Minnesota. This assessment was based on an extensive survey of persons living with AIDS and of AIDS service providers. In January of 1997 an update of this survey was published. This update identified the following groups as the least well served, most likely to be homeless and therefore the highest priority populations for housing. HIV positive people with children -Those with poor rental history -Those with chemical dependency and mental illness -HIV positive African Americans These families and individuals are often barred from participation in other programs for persons which AIDS because these programs are unequipped to deal with their multiple issues of chemical dependency, mental illness or just the presence of children in the 11) household. As a result, these families and individuals become homeless. The coalition specifically recommended funding for a number of programs which can address the highest priority populations. The proposed AIDS supportive Housing Project will deliver two of the eight priority programs: 1. Increase funding for housing opportunities for families living with AIDS. A housing project should be developed to allow families living with HIV to live in a supportive community setting. Childcare and transportation are two additional areas that should be targeted with such a dedicated proposal. 2. Fund programs that combine housing with assistance in dealing with chemical dependency or mental health issues. This project will provide a supportive permanent housing resource for homeless single parent families who, due to their multiple issues cannot be effectively served in other hong projects. By providing this type of housing,the Salvation Army Hope Harbor will help assure that these farniies will not be caught in an endless cycle of failed programs and homelessness. E. Innovative and/or Model features • This development is targeted to serve a very difficult population, homeless single parent families with HIV/AIDS many of whom are dealing with chemical dependency and/or mental illness. In order to effectively address the needs of this population and to provide