WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), today unveiled a new training curriculum for HIV/AIDS housing and service providers focused on employment services.

Getting to WorkExit Disclaimer is a three-part, multi-media curriculum which offers HIV/AIDS service and housing providers information to connect their clients with the jobs they need to stay healthy and move toward self-sufficiency. Getting to Work developed with input from several HIV/AIDS service providers across the country that has demonstrated leadership in this area, as well as the National Working Positive Coalition, an ODEP Alliance partner.

The training curriculum is the culmination of a range of activities undertaken by HUD and DOL in recent years to expand the conversation about HIV/AIDS to address employment. Both HUD and DOL are lead agencies under President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy—the nation’s first-ever comprehensive plan for responding to the serious and ongoing domestic HIV epidemic.

“Every person should have the chance to build a brighter tomorrow,” said Secretary Julián Castro. “HUD is proud to partner with the Department of Labor to ensure that Americans living with HIV/AIDS can access the skills and the opportunities they need to find rewarding careers. By supporting these men and women as they lead healthy and fulfilling lives, we’re advancing equality and promoting prosperity for our entire nation.”

“There is a clear need to include employment opportunities in the conversation about providing services for people with HIV/AIDS,” said Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez. “Employment not only offers individuals the opportunity to live an independent, self-directed life, it also affects a person's health and reduces reliance on public benefits and services.”

To access the Getting to Work curriculum, visit HUD’s websiteExit Disclaimer.