Title
Program Services for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract in the amount of $2,308,647 with RAO Community Health for a term of one year to provide programming that supports individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, and
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate, modify, amend, and extend the term of the contract for up to three years consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Rebecca Hefner, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Warren Wooten, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Explanation
§ The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program (Program) is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.
§ The City of Charlotte acts as the HOPWA regional administrator for the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (Program Area), which includes the counties of Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union in North Carolina, and the counties of Chester, Lancaster, and York in South Carolina. This required Program Area is determined by HUD.
§ In fiscal year (FY) 2026, the city received a HOPWA allocation from HUD in the amount of $3,858,201 to help low-income persons living in the Program Area with HIV/AIDS and their families, achieve and maintain housing stability and improve their access to and engagement in HIV/AIDS treatment and care. The city must use the FY 2026 allocation for eligible activities within three years.
- Eligible activities include a wide range of housing and social services including program planning, rental assistance and short-term payments to prevent homelessness, and the coordination and delivery of support services such as housing information, counseling and navigation services, assessment and case management, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, nutritional services, job training and placement assistance, and assistance with daily living.
§ On June 6, 2025, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified agencies to deliver eligible Program services; 11 responses were received. Agencies were selected based on their ability to meet Program objectives, as well as their qualifications, experience, cost-effectiveness, and responsiveness to the RFP requirements.
§ In addition to RAO Community Health, the city’s HOPWA allocation will also support other non-profit agencies that provide eligible Program activities for people living with HIV/AIDS including Carolinas CARE Partnership, Hope Haven, House of Mercy, Kintegra Health, Mecklenburg County Health Department, NsideOut Excellence, Quality Comprehensive Health Center, and Roof Above.
Charlotte Business INClusion
This contract is subject to HUD requirements and is exempt from the CBI Program.
Fiscal Note
Funding: HUD HOPWA allocation