The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is sending more than $2.6 million to Florida to help residents of the Sunshine State living with HIV/AIDS.

HUD announced on Thursday that it will send $1,215,572 to the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless in Jacksonville. It is also sending $1,430,000 to the city of Key West. The funds will be sent over a three year period as part of almost $25 million through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA).

“HUD is committed to ensuring the best outcomes for HIV and AIDS survivors in our care,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson on Thursday. “Through the combination of supportive services and stable housing, we will be able to assist in bringing healing to these individuals and their communities.”

“Research shows that a stable home is critical to the well-being of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and results in better health outcomes and reduced transmission of the disease. In addition to housing assistance, these local programs will provide access to supportive services such as case management, mental health services, substance abuse services, and employment training. The combination of housing assistance and supportive services are critical in sustaining housing stability, promoting better health outcomes, and increasing quality of life, which promotes self-sufficiency efforts for those able to transition to the private housing market,” HUD noted.

Founded in 1992, HUD’s HOPWA Program offers grants to state and local governments and nonprofits for housing assistance and support to low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.