LEXINGTON, Ky. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that Kentucky will receive one of the highest fund allocations through the implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act to launch a transitional housing pilot program to help individuals in recovery maintain their sobriety. The CAREER Act goes beyond current treatment and prevention policies to empower individuals to rise above poverty and addiction.
“I am grateful that HUD designated Kentucky as one of the highest recipients of funding through the implementation of the CAREER Act,” said Congressman Barr. “It is critical that Congress continue to work to combat the opioid epidemic, especially in my home state of Kentucky where we have the third highest opioid overdose mortality rate in the nation. This includes supporting policies that expand transitional housing options and workforce development initiatives for individuals in the recovery process. I was honored to introduce the CAREER Act last Congress in the House and would like to thank Leader McConnell for not only introducing the Senate companion, but also for his diligent work to ensure Kentucky receives this critical funding.
“Transitional housing is a proven, evidence-based approach that has helped thousands of Americans maintain sobriety after completing rehab, gain valuable skills and job training, obtain employment, and eventually transition back into society to lead independent lives. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee with jurisdiction over federal housing policy, I understand we must support policies that expand transitional housing options and workforce development initiatives for individuals in the recovery process.”
“I’m grateful that Secretary Carson fulfilled my request and named Kentucky as one of the highest recipients of funding for the transitional housing pilot program included in the CAREER Act,” said Senator McConnell, who personally contacted Secretary Carson to advocate for the priority funding. “As our Commonwealth continues to battle the heartbreaking scourge of substance abuse, experts agree that steady employment and a safe place to live are key factors to long-term sobriety. As Senate Majority Leader, I shepherded this legislation to President Trump’s desk, and with my fellow Kentuckian, Congressman Andy Barr, we’ll keep working with the administration to deliver the necessary resources to assist Kentuckians in recovery.”
The CAREER Act would address the decline in workforce participation as a result of the opioid epidemic by encouraging local businesses and treatment centers to form partnerships to secure job training, employment, and housing options for individuals in recovery. This legislation would also give states more flexibility to direct federal funds to specific and local initiatives.
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