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In a move that seeks to support individuals in recovery, Indiana is utilizing opioid settlement funds to build permanent supportive housing for people struggling with addiction. According to WRTV news, nonprofit organizations, such as Volunteers of America (VOA), are at the forefront of this initiative, aiming to provide stable housing for those who have completed treatment but face the ongoing challenge of securing a place to live.
For many people battling addiction, the journey doesn’t end with treatment. Once individuals leave rehab or treatment facilities, they often return to unstable living conditions that can hinder their recovery. Tyler Brady, a VOA client, knows this struggle all too well. She spent seven years homeless after being released from prison in 2014. Although she wasn’t initially an addict, the lack of stability during her homelessness led her down a dangerous path.
“I used fentanyl, smoked KD, crack cocaine was my drug of choice,” Brady shared. Her story highlights the critical role that stable housing plays in recovery. In April 2023, while pregnant and six months sober, Brady turned to Volunteers of America for help. She credits VOA with providing not just treatment but also a place to call home, something that’s often difficult for those with criminal records or addiction histories to secure.
Volunteers of America is one of four nonprofit organizations benefiting from $10 million in opioid settlement funds. These funds are part of a larger $980 million settlement reached with opioid manufacturers and distributors, who are compensating the state for their role in the opioid crisis. The settlement funds are being split equally between state-level initiatives and local government units across Indiana.
The plan to use this money to build supportive housing comes at a critical time. A 2023 study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that roughly 108,035 homeless individuals were also grappling with chronic substance misuse. The same study emphasized the importance of stable housing in the recovery process, with researchers noting that individuals who are housed have significantly better chances of maintaining sobriety and reintegrating into society.
In response, state officials are prioritizing the development of affordable rental housing that includes supportive services, such as addiction counseling and job assistance. Douglas Huntsinger, the Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Enforcement in Indiana, emphasized the state's commitment to helping those in need. “Our goal is to do what we can now to save individuals and return them back to society,” Huntsinger said.
The new housing facilities are planned for four cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, and Brookville. Although still in the planning phases, these facilities are expected to be ready for move-ins by 2026. The housing will offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who need a stable and supportive environment to continue their recovery journey.
If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Avenues Recovery. With comprehensive treatment plans and personalized care, our expert staff will help you overcome your addiction and reach sobriety. We have helped over 30,000 people reclaim their lives, and we can help you too. Contact us today to begin your journey to the addiction- free future you deserve.