US State users accessed the Countrycenter.net site

The funds provided to the local agencies can help families find a quality, affordable mortgage on a home and local agencies can also help potential homebuyers avoid predatory lending practices. When OWHLF funds are involved in the transaction, the family is required to attend classes which outline the responsibilities of homeownership, including mortgage obligations, budgets, and maintenance, to assure successful home ownership.

Challenges

The Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund faces new challenges that affect low to moderateincome constituents. A growing number of working families are finding that the increased cost of living is limiting their opportunity for maintaining safe and affordable long-term housing. Housing providers across the country have seen the wait time for applicants seeking affordable rental units increase to an average of more than two years. The OWHLF staff and supporters must focus major efforts toward expanding funding sources, partnering with private banks, and finding creative ways to increase the number of constituents served.

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Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS

Mission

Utah’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is coordinated through the State HIV/AIDS Housing Steering Committee, which is a statewide body of housing advocates, providers, and consumers to facilitate the creation and maintenance of affordable quality housing opportunities for people living with HIV and AIDS.

The State of Utah received a HOPWA formula grant amount of $59,000 during fiscal year 2002. The state now administers the HOPWA Grant for rural Utah only.

A combination of the following activities are currently financed with state HOPWA funds: long-term rental assistance, emergency and short-term rental assistance to prevent homelessness, a statewide housing coordinator/resource developer, and resource identification.

The State HIV/AIDS House Steering Committee has been adopted by Division of Community Development as a subcommittee of the Olene Walker Housing Trust Fund board.

Highlights

Salt Lake Community Action Program (SLCAP): Spent $7,000 for 15 rural persons-with-AIDS households to provide short-term rental assistance and/or emergency assistance. Housing information, referrals, and placement services were also provided. SLCAP provides this assistance under the

State’s HOPWA Program for rural areas south and east of Salt Lake County.

SLCAP provides the same services for Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties under contract with Salt Lake City.

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