Michigan Invests Opioid Settlement Funds Into Recovery Housing Expansion

Michigan has announced the addition of 205 recovery housing beds in 14 counties as part of a new effort to support individuals recovering from substance use disorder. The beds, made possible through $3.4 million in grant funding from opioid settlements, will be established through 18 organizations purchasing or leasing 24 recovery residences.

State Departments Collaborate to Award Recovery Housing Grants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), distributed the grants to expand access to stable housing for those in recovery. The Recovery Housing Investment Program (RHIP) was the mechanism through which the grants were awarded.

Organizations and Counties Receiving Funding

The following organizations and counties will benefit from the initiative, each contributing a portion of the total 205 new recovery housing beds:

• 70x7 Life Recovery – Kent County, 13 beds
• Building Men for Life – Ottawa County, 10 beds
• Catholic Social Services of the UP – Delta County, 6 beds
• Dawn Incorporated – Washtenaw County, 8 beds
• Elmhurst Home, Inc. – Wayne County, 6 beds
• Hannahville Indian Community – Delta County, 12 beds
• HCC Connection, LLC – Wayne County, 27 beds
• Home of New Vision – Washtenaw County, 14 beds
• Hunter House Recovery – Macomb County, 8 beds
• Kelsey’s House Foundation – Oakland County, 10 beds
• Latitude Recovery Services, Inc. – Kalamazoo County, 8 beds
• Live Rite Properties, LLC – Macomb County, 12 beds
• New Paths, Inc. – Genesee County, 8 beds
• Pinnacle Recovery Group – Ingham County, 23 beds
• Randy’s House of Greenville, Inc. – Kent and Montcalm counties, 12 beds
• Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center – Oakland County, 6 beds
• Superior Connections Recovery Community Organization – Marquette County, 8 beds
• Ten16 Recovery Network – Midland and Gladwin counties, 14 beds

Previous RHIP investments have resulted in 136 new beds at 18 properties across six counties, demonstrating a continued commitment to expanding recovery housing programs.

Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Stable Housing

Amy Epkey, acting director of MDHHS, highlighted the broader significance of recovery housing: “Every person in recovery deserves the chance to rebuild their life with dignity, connection and hope. When we invest in recovery supports, we’re investing in stronger families, safer communities and a healthier Michigan.”

MSHDA CEO and executive director Amy Hovey echoed those sentiments. She described housing as "foundational" to recovery, noting its role in helping people regain their independence and reconnect with their communities.

Personal Impact and Community Support

Residents themselves have attested to the impact of these recovery residences. One individual shared that the stability of recovery housing strengthened their relationship with their 13-year-old daughter. “I am present, consistent and someone she can trust. I get to show up as her father in a real and meaningful way… and it would not be possible without the stability this recovery residence has given me,” they said.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarin, chief medical executive and chair of the Opioids Task Force, stressed that recovery housing is more than shelter: “Housing is more than a roof. It’s a foundation for long-term wellness, employment, connection and community participation.”

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Funding for Substance Use Recovery

Over the past several months, MDHHS has allocated more than $12 million in opioid settlement funds to over 50 community agencies, supporting both community-based programs and recovery residences. Looking forward, Michigan is expected to receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half earmarked for the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and the remainder distributed to local governments.

Resources for substance use disorder recovery and details about opioid settlement fund usage are available at Michigan.gov/opioids.

Source: manisteenews.com.