(Concord, NH) – Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) will award Harbor Homes a grant of $400,000 to support transitional housing for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioid Task Force and has worked to strengthen treatment and recovery services in New Hampshire. The grant will support the expansion of housing that integrates behavioral health treatment and services for substance use disorder.

“We know that many individuals who suffer from substance use disorder are also dealing with a co-occurring, and often undiagnosed, mental health issue,” said Kuster. “Taking on the opioid epidemic and substance misuse requires a comprehensive response and this grant will allow Harbor Homes to expand housing programs that are crucial for people struggling with substance use disorder to access the services they need to recover and transition back into their community. I’ll continue to push for resources to support those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic here in New Hampshire.”

"'We would like to thank SAMHSA for this generous grant to benefit homeless young adults and families in Southern New Hampshire. This critical funding will allow Harbor Homes to implement a comprehensive recovery and treatment program to individuals with a history of substance use disorders, and include permanent housing to further support a healthy transition to self-sufficiency and sustainability. We are grateful to SAMHSA for the opportunity to help over 150 individuals and families over the next five years,” stated Peter Kelleher, CEO of Harbor Homes/Partnership for Successful Living.

Congresswoman Kuster has pushed the Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to prioritize opioid funding to the hardest hit states. Last year, Kuster and Congressman Evan Jenkins (R-WV) introduced the Federal Opioid Response Fairness Act, which would make clear that per capita overdose deaths should be a part of the formula used to distribute Cures funding. Kuster pressed House leadership and senior appropriators to include increased funding to combat the opioid epidemic during this year’s budget negotiations. Kuster’s efforts have helped lead to New Hampshire receiving a substantial increase in funding to address the opioid epidemic with New Hampshire eligible for $22.9 million this year and next year.

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