Capito, Coons Introduce Safe SHORES Act to Extend and Expand Recovery Housing Program

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Chris Coons have introduced the Safe and Secure Housing for Opioid Recovery and Enduring Stability (Safe SHORES) Act of 2024 to support individuals recovering from substance use disorder by providing access to stable housing. The legislation aims to reauthorize and enhance the Recovery Housing Program (RHP), which expired in 2023, extending it until 2029 with increased funding.

Ranking Member Capito emphasized the importance of transitional housing in recovery, stating, "The Safe SHORES Act will give state recovery housing programs additional resources to assist those in need of a stable residence during what we know can be a difficult path to recovery."

Senator Coons highlighted the significance of safe housing in the recovery process, saying, "The Safe SHORES Act will reauthorize a crucial program in the fight against the opioid epidemic and ensure that many more Americans recovering from addiction don’t have to worry about having a roof over their heads."

Emily Birckhead, executive director of the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR), expressed gratitude for the reauthorization of the Safe SHORES Act, noting the positive impact of recovery residences on individuals post-treatment.

Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, commended the senators for championing the reauthorization of the Recovery Housing Program, acknowledging the relief it provides to rural communities affected by the opioid crisis.

Michele Stockwell, President of the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, praised Senators Coons and Capito for their leadership in introducing the Safe SHORES Act, highlighting the importance of fostering a safe and healthy living environment for individuals on the path to recovery from substance use disorders.

The Safe SHORES Act of 2024 aims to enhance the RHP by increasing authorized funding, providing flexibility in fund distribution, encouraging best practices in grant awards, and requiring annual performance reports from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Passing the Safe SHORES Act is crucial in addressing the ongoing drug epidemic in the United States, where opioids have been a significant factor in a large number of drug overdose deaths.