Chicago receives $9.5 million for AIDS housing

Chicago will receive more than $46 million in federal funds for housing assistance in 2004, with $9.5 million specifically earmarked for people living with HIV/AIDS, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. A U.S. Housing and Urban Development assistant secretary, Roy Bernardi, announced the grants last week. Of the money allotted for people with HIV, $8.3 million will be used to provide permanent housing and social services, with $1.2 million set aside for long-term rental subsidies for people with unstable housing situations. "This is a great day for people living with HIV/AIDS," said AIDS Foundation of Chicago director Mark Ishaug. "This new funding provides much needed relief in the midst of Chicago's affordable-housing crisis and will help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by HIV-positive individuals in finding housing and staying healthy."