The Housing Assistance Programs administered by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago are: 1. the short term/tenant based HAP program, 2. the long term/tenant based LTRS program and 3. the long term/landlord based Trust Fund program. These three programs help low income people living with HIV remain stable in their housing and live *independently. (*there are no intensive supportive services attached to these programs.)

Partner agencies: AFC centrally administers HAP, LTRS, the Trust Fund units in metropolitan Chicago under contract by CDPH. Housing Advocates at four partner agencies— Agape Missions Inc (AMI), Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN), Vital Bridges, and Heartland Human Care Services—assist AFC to implement the program consistently across the region.

Current Status: The HAP, LTRS and Trust Fund programs are all currently serving a capacity number of clients and are therefore closed to NEW applicants. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) will continue to monitor the capacity of the programs  and, through our Statewide Advocacy Network, will keep members updated on the status of the programs. To join AFC’s Advocacy Network and receive email alerts on this and other AIDS-related issues, click here.

AFC Housing and Utility Assistance: Although the HAP, LTRS and Trust Fund programs are currently closed to new applicants, applications for a one-time payment of AFC Housing and Utility Assistance can be submitted through an HIV case manager. If you do not have a case manager, please contact one of AFC's Program Associates at (312) 922-2322 to receive a case management referral and learn about this financial assistance option that is currently OPEN for NEW clients. The AFC Housing and Utility Assistance Application allows a client to be reviewed for eligibility for multiple funding streams including: IDHS Homeless Prevention Funds, HOPWA, and Ryan White Emergency Financial Assistance. Clients must work with their case manager to document that they are experiencing one of the eligible Temporary Economic Crisis:

Loss of employment
Medical Disability or emergency
Loss or delay of a public benefit
Natural Disaster
Substantial change in household composition
Victimization by criminal activity (including Domestic Violence)
Illegal action by a landlord
Displacement by government or private action
Client is in an eligible temporary economic crisis and is in need of assistance to remain in stable permanent subsidized housing
Client is moving from Homelessness into permanent housing
Client is moving into more affordable housing that promotes long term stability

The principal purpose of AFC Housing and Utility Assistance application is to stabilize individuals and families in their current home, to decrease the amount of time spent in shelters, and to help individuals and families secure and maintain affordable housing.  Additionally, these funds are not intended to provide continuous or long-term assistance. These funds are defined as being a “needs-based” assistance program – not an entitlement.  Assistance from the AFC Housing and Utility Assistance application is considered short-term help that is intended to promote long-term housing stability.

More information: For information on rent, mortgage and utility assistance, please contact Ric Martel at (312) 334-0949.

Ric Martel
AFC Housing Assistance
Direct2Housing
200 W. Jackson, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312-334-0949
Fax: 312-334-0977

Finding Supportive Housing options and Food resources is now easier than ever. You can go Direct 2 Housing and Direct 2 Food!

Check out www.direct2housing.org and www.direct2food.org

It's the only place you need to find the contact information, application process and eligibility criteria for Supportive Housing options and you can find the resources closest to you to meet the food needs of you and your family.

Direct2Housing and Direct2Food are initiatives of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

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