No individuals will lose their rental assistance in 2008 now that Mayor Richard M. Daley has proposed to increase the HIV/AIDS rental housing assistance funding for the 2008 budget by $250,000.
Earlier this year, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) warned that many low-income, HIV-positive individuals would face housing instability or homelessness without a funding increase.
‘We’re glad to get such good news,’ AFC’s John Peller said. ‘It’s a great step. However, the unmet need … remains tremendous, even with this new funding.’
The city also proposed setting aside 100 units funded by the Low Income Housing Trust Fund for people with HIV. According to AFC, this brings the city’s increased commitment to AIDS housing to over $750,000 for 2008.
Peller told Windy City Times that AFC is going to ‘keep the pressure on all levels’ of government, adding, ‘[i]t’s time for the federal government to step up.’