HIV-Positive
Chicagoans May Lose Public Housing

More than 200 disabled Chicago residents living with HIV/AIDS may become homeless without a $1.5 million budget increase for permanent housing.

Local organizations and politicians are urging city officials to approve funding for the 2008 budget with these 211 residents of permanent housing developments in mind.

Chicago-based AIDS advocates are petitioning to encourage Mayor Richard M. Daley to include increased AIDS housing funding in his budget plan, to be unveiled in October, according to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

"These 211 clients will be at serious risk of homelessness," AIDS Foundation of Chicago's John Peller told the Windy City Times. "We know that housing is health care. When people are housed, they are able to improve their health."

Windy City Times reports that a decrease in federal funding for HIV/AIDS housing has put more pressure on local governments to provide housing. A 27% cut in funding is slated for the city's Housing Assistance Program, putting the residents in question at risk. The AIDS Foundation said that a $1.5 million increase would prevent these residents from losing their homes and benefit advocacy programs. (The Advocate)