Colorado Homeless, HIV Programs Get $1.8 Million From HUD

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development is distributing grants in excess of $1.8 million to Colorado initiatives supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS and homeless persons.

"The Denver community has a very good reputation for helping us in our plan to help end homelessness," said HUD Regional Administrator Rick Garcia. "We want to deliver resources so they can continue to have successful programs."

Nearly $1.5 million -- $612,379 from HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, and $832,033 from the Continuum of Care fund -- was allocated to two projects of the Denver-based Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corp., which offers housing assistance. Additionally, the Colorado-based Grand Valley Catholic Outreach in Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs' Homeward Pikes Peak received $251,061 and $148,615, respectively.

"For these organizations to house those in the most need, it takes resources," continued Garcia. "This just speaks to the importance of the administration's commitment to this initiative."

A joint report of the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative and the Colorado Department of Human Services estimates there are 11,061 homeless individuals in the Denver area. The recent grants come on the heels of $18.6 million awarded in January to renew financial support for 84 programs providing shelter and other services for the homeless.

"I remember my dad would always worry about being homeless, and how insecure it made me, wondering if I was going to have a warm bed or a place to call home," said Mayor Guillermo "Bill" Vidal, on-hand for the grant presentation. "A city is not judged by how wealthy we are but by how we take care of our most vulnerable."

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