The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a $100 million investment under the Great American Recovery initiative. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the funding as part of the STREETS Initiative i.e. “Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence‑based Treatment and Supports.” The initiative was created to address addiction and homelessness.
According to the Secretary, the program will support outreach, crisis intervention, psychiatric care, recovery housing, and expansion of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Certain aspects of the initiative will target parents at risk of losing custody to foster care, with federal matching funds for treatment services.
How This Funding Relates to Past Grant Cancellations
Earlier this year, the Trump administration attempted to cancel nearly $2 billion in grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which fund addiction and mental health services nationwide. These grants offer many services that help addicted people get and stay sober. Taking them away would also threaten peer support, overdose prevention, and training programs to help people find recovery.
After significant backlash, much of the funding was reinstated. The disruption caused much uncertainty within the addiction recovery field and affected provider trust.
The new $100 million investment does not replace or “cancel out” the effects of these earlier disruptions. It is a targeted pilot initiative, separate from the broader network of services supported by SAMHSA grants.
What Is Evidence‑Based Addiction Treatment?
Science-backed addiction treatment generally includes a combination of tools to help people get sober. Medication-assisted treatment (MOUD) for opioid use disorder has been proven to reduce overdoses and improve outcomes. Harm reduction strategies, such as naloxone distribution and syringe exchange, can reduce overdose deaths without increasing drug use. Community-based supportive housing, recovery programs, and aftercare can help stabilize patients and reduce relapse risk.
These approaches are widely considered the standard of care by public health experts and addiction researchers.
Controversy Over the New Initiative
While the HHS press release emphasizes evidence-based treatment, critics have raised concerns. They worry that abstinence-focused and court-mandated programs may be prioritized over harm reduction approaches. Programs like Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) have mixed evidence for effectiveness and raise civil liberties concerns. Faith-based and punitive “tough love” models may receive increased support despite limited scientific backing, shifting funds away from treatment methods that are proven.
Experts warn this could represent an overall shift away from well-established, science-supported methods, especially harm reduction strategies.
Potential Benefits and Limitations
Overall, the money going into recovery programs can be considered a good thing. More treatment available is always a plus, and hopefully, the funding fills gaps in the treatment industry. They will, at the very least, include increased funding for recovery housing and targeted addiction services. Expansion of access to MOUD in some communities is also a feature that will save lives.
Stacked on top of these benefits, however, are uncertainties about future funding. 100 million is relatively small compared to the national addiction crisis. Other policy proposals and budget pressures could reduce access to broader, science-backed treatment. And earlier funding disruptions may have long-term effects on service availability and provider trust.
The Great American Recovery initiative represents a focused investment in addiction recovery and homelessness programs. However, it does not fully offset previous grant disruptions. The wording of the initiative also raises questions about whether it will prioritize evidence-backed, harm reduction approaches or shift toward more abstinence- and court-focused models. The overall impact will depend heavily on if existing programs and infrastructure can be fortified and expanded or if they will be set aside.
Learn More About SOARR and Recovery Housing
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. If you or someone you love is looking for a safe, supportive place to rebuild life after addiction, at SOARR (Society of Addiction Recovery Residences), we’re here to help. SOARR connects people to ethical, recovery-focused housing in San Diego and supports sober living homes that are grounded in accountability, dignity, and lived experience.
If you need to learn more about recovery housing in San Diego, get help finding a sober living home, or want to understand your options, call 619-828-2001 to speak with someone who can guide you.
