Pa. selects pilot programs to boost support for those battling addiction

Western Pennsylvania human services agencies will play a major role in a new pilot program designed to help individuals battling opioid addiction remain in treatment and find stable housing.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced that agencies in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties are among 16 in urban and rural counties statewide that will share in a $15 million federal grant designed to boost support services for people battling opioid addiction and help prevent overdose deaths.

State officials said the pilot programs will assist people enrolled in evidence-based treatment programs and will provide them with support services to ensure they have stable housing.

The grants, announced last fall, were awarded through the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol programs and Human Services.

“With these grant announcements, we are taking an important step in removing a barrier to recovery and independence for those suffering from opioid use disorder,” Wolf said. “As we continue to battle this health crisis, being able to address housing as a means to get people into treatment and on the road to recovery is a key component.”