Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced today the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will allocate $1,501,532 to Kentucky for the Recovery Housing Program. This program was created by Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr’s Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act.

In 2018, Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr introduced the CAREER Act into the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and the legislation was signed into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. Last year, they introduced the CAREER Act of 2023 to enhance the workforce reentry and recovery housing programs created in the 2018 law. Since becoming law, the CAREER Act has directed nearly $11.5 million to the Commonwealth, helping hundreds of Kentuckians recovering from substance use disorder.

"The CAREER Act addresses the devastating impact of substance abuse on America’s workforce, connecting individuals recovering from substance use with career services and temporary, stable housing opportunities. The Recovery Housing Program, established within this legislation, is a transitional housing pilot program to help states increase access to safe transitional housing for individuals in addiction recovery while they rehabilitate and reenter the workforce."

HUD will allocate today’s funding to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which will then select specific funding recipients. In past years, these federal funds have gone toward building out capacity and access to effective recovery housing across the Commonwealth.

“Our nation’s substance abuse epidemic has claimed countless lives and hollowed out communities across the Commonwealth. The CAREER Act is a crucial tool in our fight to end this crisis, targeting resources into lifesaving organizations that support Kentuckians' recovery and their reentry into the workforce. I’ve been proud to champion CAREER Act funding along with Congressman Barr and support these organizations’ heroic efforts as they help Kentuckians break free from addiction for good,” said Senator McConnell.

“As we tackle the devastating effects of substance abuse across our nation, we must prioritize support for those in recovery. The recovery housing provision in the CAREER Act will be key in providing individuals struggling with addiction the stability and support they need to rebuild their lives,” said Congressman Barr. “The CAREER Act has been a cornerstone in strengthening workforce development, vocational training, and empowering our communities with the skills they need. Funding for the CAREER Act will ensure Kentuckians are equipped to succeed in the 21st-century job market. I'm thankful for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's support on this important legislation.”