The City of Lowell will award approximately $700,000 from the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HOPWA program addresses the specific needs of low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.  Eligible HOPWA activities may include housing, social services, technical assistance and related services to residents and families throughout Middlesex County. 

During the development of the 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan the City offered HOPWA applicants the opportunity to apply for a five-year term award.  The intent of this change was to provide some consistency to project sponsors in designing their programs and planning project budgets.  During the development of the City's 2010-2011 Annual Action Plan, the City drafted grant agreements for 10 different programs using this approach.  Each of these agreements is eligible for renewal each year over the course of the next five years, subject to availability of funds and compliance with reporting requirements.  Annual HOPWA appropriation to a selected activity will be adjusted to correspond with the City's annual allocation from HUD. 

In order to provide room for flexibility and encourage new, innovative project, the City will hold some funds aside to award to a new program that may not have historically received Lowell HOPWA funds or to support a strong need demonstrated during the program year.  Proposals for these funds can be completed using the application form available below and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  The City anticipates approximately $28,000 available in FY 12-13. 

The Request for Proposal (RFPs) document will be made available on November 21, 2011, and may be obtained via one of the following methods:

• Electronic version available here.
• In person from the City of Lowell’s Department of Planning and Development (located at JFK Civic Center, 50 Arcand Drive, 2nd Floor, Lowell MA 01852).
• Or by contacting Emily Currier at (978) 674-4252.

An informational Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lowell Senior Center.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.   Applications may be mailed or hand delivered.  Electronic submittals will not be accepted.