The Davidson Amendment to defund HOPWA was defeated 282-144 in Wednesday night’s vote. This is a significant win and demonstrates the power of our community.
HOPWA, or Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program, helps over 50,000 households secure housing and supports more than 100,000 more with essential services. Defeating the Davidson Amendment means we’ve helped to safeguard this lifeline, and prevented thousands of people living with HIV from facing houselessness.
While this initial victory was pivotal, the fight for adequate HIV funding (including increased funds for HOPWA) continues. This vote showed that there were 144 members of Congress who did not and do not see the vital importance of programs like HOPWA. We must keep the momentum going and continue to reach out to representatives and tell them the life-saving nature of these services.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate this success and the power of solidarity, while staying vigilant and proactive. Please consider making a donation to help us further our advocacy work and sustain our efforts in protecting key programs like HOPWA and other VITAL federal programs for people who are living with HIV.
