As our Nation's population has aged, communities across the country have experienced increasing demand for services tailored to meet the complex and varied needs of elderly citizens. The HOPE for Elderly Independence Demonstration Program (HOPE IV), established by Congress in 1990, combines Section 8 rental assistance with community-based case management and supportive services to help some of the most vulnerable elderly--frail, low-income renters--enhance their quality of life while remaining in an independent living environment. This report, the first in a series of four evaluations of HOPE IV, describes the characteristics and initial experiences of grantees and participants.