Funding secured in multistate opioid settlements by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro continues to help Pennsylvanians with full spectrum of substance use disorder treatment and recovery supports
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced the availability of $2.5 million in grant funding for community-based organizations and public health programs to help improve Pennsylvanians’ access to existing substance use disorder (SUD) recovery houses that are licensed through DDAP.
Funding for these grants is provided from the “Big Four” opioid settlement funding that was appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly, which was the result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors spearheaded by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro that led to settlement agreements worth billions of dollars. That money is to be invested in opioid remediation programs and initiatives.
“We’re looking for organizations that understand the intersection between individuals with a SUD and housing insecurity,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Recovery housing is a critical asset for someone once they’ve completed residential SUD treatment, and this money will help provide another avenue for them to access housing within a DDAP-licensed recovery house. By making this investment, we’re contributing to the positive outcomes for those in recovery, including decreased substance use, reduced likelihood to return to use, lower rates of incarceration, higher income, increased employment, and improved family relationships.”
Currently, there are about 380 DDAP-licensed recovery houses across the Commonwealth. The purpose of the licensure program is to help empower sustained recovery for individuals with SUD by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses. Individuals can find a listing of licensed recovery houses on DDAP’s website.
DDAP will award approximately five grants of up to $500,000 each. As part of the application process, organizations must include a plan on how they would assist individuals in obtaining housing at an existing DDAP-licensed recovery house, in addition to:
· Identifying and connecting with individuals in need of recovery housing;
· Assisting individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and any co-occurring SUD to remain engaged in treatment;
· Offering case management and peer support services;
· Describing the services they will provide, marketing efforts for these services, and information on which services will be provided through collaborations or through referrals; and
· Providing information regarding recovery housing payment amounts and calculations, guidelines, and eligibility criteria to be used.
Successful applicants will be charged with leading initiatives to link individuals with OUD and any co-occurring SUD or mental health condition to DDAP-licensed recovery houses. The organizations must also ensure these individuals have access to case management and peer support services while residing in a recovery house and access to financial assistance for those who are not able to pay the full cost of residing in a recovery house.
DDAP is placing a focus on health equity as a part of this grant opportunity. Applicants must describe their current engagement with diverse populations including LGBTQ individuals and other underserved populations, their plan to increase services to diverse populations and outline the training plan to ensure staff are trained to serve diverse populations.
All applications must be submitted electronically by 12:00 PM on Friday, January 10, 2025. Applications will be competitively reviewed and scored based upon the applicant’s adherence to the funding announcement guidelines, and a timely submission to DDAP. This grant opportunity is not soliciting applications for new recovery house licensure.
