Comment Submitted by HealthHIV
AnonymousOpposeAdvocacy
Summary: Scott D Bertani, Director of Advocacy for HealthHIV, opposes the proposed Equal Access Rule because it removes explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in HOPWA program definitions. He argues that the change creates operational uncertainty, increases administrative burdens, and could lead to patient-level harm by making it harder for people living with HIV to access stable housing.
As a former HOPWA project sponsor, I am concerned that the proposed Equal Access Rule would create operational uncertainty for HOPWA grantees, sponsors, subrecipients and community-based organizations that administer housing assistance and coordinate supportive services to help people maintain housing.