RCEDA 8.5x11 Report d3

Norberto and Eleanor Norberto and Eleanor Lopez moved into their new home on Monday, November 27 th just a few days short of their 27 th Anniversary. The family received assistance to secure their new apartment through the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program which provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons with HIV/ AIDS and their families. Norberto was diagnosed with HIV in 1987 while he was living in the Bronx in New York after noticing a decline in his health. Prior to his housing crisis, Norberto went to welding school and was hired to work as a welder on a ship yard, which he enjoyed very much... Unfortunately, in 1996, he was involved in a work accident that left him permanently disabled and unable to work. Losing his earned income resulted in the downward spiral of filing for disability and losing his housing, all while his health continued to decline. The family was referred to the Housing Authority’s HOP program by the Foothill AIDS Project over 7 years ago. The family was in and out of homelessness, living on the street or in motels in the city of Riverside. “You have to learn to manage money and food – while always looking for a place to sleep,” said Norberto. Norberto and Eleanor were physically assaulted and robbed while on the street leaving Norberto with a broken jaw. Fortunately, on August 1 st , the family was selected from the Housing Options Program waiting list, a program funded through HOPWA which provides participants with a rental subsidy that allows them to pay 30% of their income towards the rent. This allows the unit to remain affordable and provides the household with extra cushion to pay for utilities, food, clothing, medical expenses, and other living essentials. With eligibility confirmed, the remaining process included assisting the family with their housing search. Norberto was also connected to the Desert Aids Project (DAP) in Palm Springs where he will also be receiving financial assistance towards his security deposit and 1st month’s rent. He has also been linked to a medical case manager at DAP who will meet with him regularly to ensure he maintains his health. The family is grateful they were able to relocate to the city of Desert Hot Springs where they have a fresh start at a new life. “Stay positive, exercise, try not to stress, rest, and surround yourself with positive people,” advised Norberto. He believes housing programs like HOP are so important and individuals and their families need to take advantage of the help when they need it.

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