HARRISBURG, PA — Over $2 million in grant funding has been awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to improve access to licensed recovery houses for individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD). The funding, directed to five community-based organizations, stems from the state’s share of the historic opioid settlement agreements aimed at combating the opioid crisis and addressing related public health needs.
Licensed recovery houses, regulated by DDAP, provide stable housing and supportive environments for individuals transitioning from SUD treatment. These facilities play a pivotal role in decreasing relapse rates and supporting long-term recovery. The new grants, funded by the multibillion-dollar settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors, will help expand access to these essential resources statewide.
“Having a safe and stable place to live is one of the most important pieces of the recovery journey,” said Janice Olson, Director of Operations at Sage’s Army, one of the grant recipients. Recovery houses do more than provide shelter — they foster accountability, community, and personal growth, key elements in overcoming substance dependency.
The grant recipients include organizations across urban, suburban, and rural areas to ensure broad geographic and population coverage:
- The Bridge Foundation (Philadelphia)
- The Worx! (Allegheny County)
- Sage’s Army (Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington counties)
- Westmoreland Community Action (serving multiple counties across southwestern Pennsylvania)
- Life Changing Pathways (Adams and York counties)
Each grantee will use the funding to connect individuals with SUD or opioid use disorder (OUD) to DDAP-licensed recovery houses. These efforts will include access to peer support services, case management, and financial aid for those unable to afford the full cost of housing. Additionally, all organizations are required to develop strategies to expand their services to underserved populations and enhance staff training to better address diverse recovery needs.
By addressing gaps in housing and recovery support, the funding is expected to deliver significant public health benefits, including reduced overdose rates, increased employment opportunities, and strengthened family dynamics for those rebuilding their lives after SUD treatment.
“These organizations understand the intersection between individuals with an SUD and housing insecurity,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This grant funding reinforces our commitment to ensuring that recovery housing is accessible, safe, and instrumental in driving positive outcomes for individuals and families statewide.”
This initiative marks another step in Pennsylvania’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and provide holistic recovery support. By investing in licensed recovery housing, the state seeks not only to improve individual lives but also to strengthen communities and reduce the long-term societal impacts of addiction.
There are about 400 DDAP-licensed recovery houses across the Commonwealth. The licensure program aims to support sustained recovery for individuals with SUD by ensuring a network of safe recovery houses. Individuals can find a list of licensed recovery houses on DDAP’s website.
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