Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H), an innovative leader in behavioral health, announced that the organization’s Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/Aids (HOPWA) program will receive an additional $100,000 in CARES Act funding to assist with short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance requests. The funding will boost current program resources needed to address increases in issues for housing instability that are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The CARES Act Eviction Prevention Program is designated to help America’s low-income families and most vulnerable citizens. Benefit for SB&H program funds is available to qualified individuals who reside in Maricopa and Pinal counties. To qualify for assistance applicants must have HIV/Aids, show they have been dramatically affected by COVID-19, and be able to demonstrate that they have a real emergency and have exhausted all resources. 

“The COVID-19 relief funds are an important part of preventing evictions for particularly vulnerable individuals and families already struggling with HIV/Aids,” said Deborah Woodard, vice president of Community Resilience for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services. “For those who qualify, the money may cover multiple months of mortgage, rent and/or utility payments enabling individuals to focus on health, wellness, and financial stability while maintaining housing. We are encouraging persons to ask for help and apply.” 

The CARES Act funding will be available in early July, but individuals are encouraged to apply now as funds will be distributed on a first come first-served basis. Depending on requests, there is a possibility that funds could be available for long-term assistance.

HOPWA Program walk-in hours are 9 a.m. – Noon Monday through Wednesday at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services’ offices located at 5717 N. 7th Street.  Applicants may call Marshall Coker or Diane Santana at (602) 318-1715 to schedule an appointment.

The SB&H HOPWA Program offers a variety of housing options and a Job Resource Center to assist persons in finding and maintaining employment.