on New Recovery Housing Investment Program 

LANSING, Mich. – As part of efforts to reduce overdose deaths and decrease disparities, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing $2.5 million to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to expand access to recovery housing for people across Michigan struggling with opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorders or mental health conditions. Funding is being made available through Michigan’s opioid settlement funds.

“Housing insecurity serves as a risk factor for opioid use disorder and overdose death, and stable recovery housing provides critical support for individuals in recovery,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “To help address disparities, we are prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations as we distribute settlement dollars across the state. MSHDA’s partnership on this initiative will ensure this important support is available to more Michigan residents participating in treatment and recovery.”

The new MSHDA Recovery Housing Investment Program (RHIP) will award forgivable loans (grants) to state-certified and accredited recovery and rehabilitation facilities, after a request for proposals process. Grantees will be able to purchase or lease single-family homes or small multifamily properties for use as recovery housing. This investment is expected to result in an additional 40-60 recovery homes for 250-350 people.  

Recovery residences are peer residential communities where individuals who identify as living with a substance use disorder learn recovery management skills over an extended period while engaging in meaningful community-based activities including employment, education and volunteerism. Stable and reliable housing is a form of recovery capital for individuals in treatment and recovery and addresses a social determinant of health needed to seek and maintain long-term recovery.

“At MSHDA, we are moving quickly to provide housing solutions that work for all Michiganders. For those seeking recovery, lifting the burden of finding and maintaining housing can reduce homelessness, increase opportunities, and give those seeking help the dignity they deserve to get their lives back on track,” said Amy Hovey, MSHDA chief executive officer and executive director.

Like other forms of affordable housing, Michigan needs more recovery housing due to a lack of availability in many areas of the state. Priority will be given to special populations and the 24 counties of highest need, based on data from the MDHHS Michigan Overdose Data to Action Dashboard. All applicants with Tribal entities will be prioritized even if the county is not on the list.

Applicants selected for funding through the RFP process must be certified by the Michigan Association of Recovery Residences and/or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Michigan is slated to receive nearly $1.6 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half being distributed to the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and the other half being distributed directly to county, city and township governments.

For details on this and other programs funded through Michigan’s opioid settlements, visit the MDHHS opioids settlement website.

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About MSHDA
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.