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HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program)

Promise Land HOPWA Housing & Utility Assistance

Promise Land Community Development Corporation provides housing and utility assistance for eligible individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS in our local community. Through the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, we help residents stabilize their housing, avoid homelessness, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency.

Surburban Street

Who We Serve

Promise Land’s HOPWA services are available to eligible individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS who live in:

  • Augusta–Richmond County

  • Burke County

  • Columbia County

  • McDuffie County

Clients receive support from Housing Information & Resource Specialists who help identify safe, affordable housing options and connect them to the right program.

Our HOPWA Programs

We provide three primary types of assistance through HOPWA:

1. Short-Term Rent, Mortgage & Utility Assistance (STRMU)

STRMU provides short-term financial help for people living with HIV/AIDS who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis that could result in loss of housing.
 

Can help with:

  • Rent payments

  • Mortgage payments

  • Essential utilities (electricity, gas, water)
     

Cannot be used for:

  • Rental or utility deposits

  • First month’s rent

  • Application fees

  • Moving expenses

  • New mortgage or loan origination costs
     

Key details:

  • Assistance may be provided for up to 21 weeks within a 52-week period.

  • Help is based on individual circumstances and the availability of funds.

  • Applicants must be active clients of Promise Land CDC or another verified case management agency.

  • Applications are completed by a trained case manager.

2. Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP)

SDAP helps people with HIV/AIDS who are ready to move into permanent housing but cannot afford the upfront costs of a security deposit and first month’s rent.
 

Can help with:

  • Security deposits

  • First month’s rent associated with a new lease
     

Key details:

  • Applicants must be active clients of Promise Land CDC or another verified case management agency.

  • Applications are completed by case managers who have completed SDAP training.

  • Security deposits are program funds and must be returned to the program when the tenant moves out.

  • Promise Land keeps records of all deposits and makes good-faith efforts to recover funds when the client leaves the unit.

3. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

Program length:

  • Initial approval for 6 months

  • May be renewed one time for an additional 6 months, based on progress and funding
     

Participant responsibilities:

  • Pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent

  • Maintain stable income

  • Stay under the care of a medical provider

  • Participate in and comply with case management

  • Lease rental property (home mortgages are not eligible under TBRA)
     

Program expectations:

  • Participants must have clear, measurable goals that will improve housing stability within the program period.

  • All TBRA participants are required to attend Right Track, a series of workshops focused on self-sufficiency and medical care adherence, within 60 days of approval.

  • Applications are completed by the participant’s assigned case manager.

General Eligibility

To qualify for Promise Land HOPWA assistance, applicants must:

  • Have a documented HIV/AIDS diagnosis

  • Live in Augusta–Richmond, Burke, Columbia, or McDuffie County

  • Be an active client of Promise Land CDC or another verified case management agency

  • Demonstrate financial need or housing instability

  • Meet all program-specific guidelines and documentation requirements

Residential Street View
Woman Reviewing Documents

Documents You May Need

Depending on the type of assistance, applicants may be asked to provide:

  • Verification of HIV/AIDS medical status

  • Proof of residency in one of the eligible counties

  • Income documentation for the past 30 days

  • Proof of current housing crisis (eviction notice, past-due notice, utility disconnection notice, etc.)

  • A self-sufficiency or stabilization plan developed with your case manager

  • Current lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, deposit request, or other relevant invoices

How to Apply

  1. Work with your case manager

    • You must be an active client of Promise Land CDC or another verified case management agency.

    • All HOPWA applications are submitted by trained case managers.
       

  2. Complete an assessment

    • Your case manager will review your situation, determine which program best fits your needs, and help gather required documents.
       

  3. Submit the application

    • Your case manager will submit your completed application and supporting documents to Promise Land for review.
       

  4. Application review and decision

    • Assistance is based on eligibility, demonstrated need, and availability of funding.

Document Signing Meeting

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.

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