Miami launches AIDS service center and Web site (10806)

The Miami Department of Community Development on Thursday opened a new service center and launched a new Web site aimed at helping poor HIV-positive city residents find affordable housing, The Miami Herald reports. The center is located at the Miami Beach Community Development Corp. and will refer clients to available homes and apartments, mediate landlord-tenant disputes, and counsel clients on home financing issues. Almost 7,000 HIV-positive people in the Miami area are considered by government officials to be "poor" or "very poor," and many need housing assistance. However, the city currently offers housing to only about 1,600 families affected by AIDS. Health officials hope to offer housing to more than 600 more families by the end of March. The new Web site can be accessed online at www.hascmiami.org.