Consider and take appropriate action to approve Health and Human Services recommendation to invest $175,000 of Opioid Abatement funds in Recovery Housing (Judge Brown & Commissioner Gómez)
Staff Report & Agenda Item Details
This request seeks approval to allocate the previously Court-authorized $175,000 in opioid abatement funds to expand access to recovery housing for people with opioid use disorder, with a focus on people receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder/Medication Assisted Treatment (MOUD/MAT) and transition-aged youth (TAY) 18-22. This investment will increase access to recovery housing, improve coordination of housing placements, and reduce financial barriers that prevent people from accessing stable recovery environments.<br><br>Stable housing is a key factor in long-term recovery from substance-use disorder. People seeking treatment often face significant challenges in finding safe and supportive housing options that promote recovery. Community feedback identified several gaps in the local recovery housing system, including limited housing options for people receiving MOUD/MAT and transition-aged youth, financial barriers, and a lack of coordinated information about available housing options.<br><br>This investment will establish a Recovery Housing Support and Navigation model to help people identify available recovery housing options and connect with services that support long-term recovery. This model will be implemented through four primary program components:<br><ol><li>Recovery Housing Navigation – establish a function to coordinate the recovery housing system and referrals and to help people enter recovery housing.</li><li>Recovery Housing Certification Support – assist housing providers pursuing recognized certification standards.</li><li>Recovery Housing Access Fund – provide short-term financial assistance to help people enter recovery housing.</li><li>Transition-Aged Youth Partnership – create a recovery housing pathway for youth ages 18-22 through partnership with an existing youth-serving organization.</li></ol><br>