Outreach requests $400K from city to combat mental illness and opioid crisis

During the Raleigh City Council Afternoon Session on February 18, 2025, significant discussions emerged surrounding mental health and housing initiatives, reflecting the city's ongoing commitment to addressing pressing community issues.

A representative from Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presented a compelling case for a $400,000 allocation from the city budget. The funds are intended to support capacity building, operational costs, and direct services aimed at combating mental illness and the opioid crisis. The speaker highlighted the personal stakes involved, sharing that both they and their program director have experienced the devastating effects of substance abuse, having lost children to fentanyl-related incidents. This personal connection underscores the urgency of their mission to provide support and resources for those affected by addiction.

The organization is also collaborating with Southlight, a local service provider, to apply for funding from the county related to the opioid crisis settlement. They expressed a strong desire for the city to partner with them in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in tackling these challenges.

In addition to mental health initiatives, the representative discussed plans for affordable housing. They mentioned a potential project on a 30-acre property owned by their church, Word of God Fellowship, located at 3300 Rock Quarry Road. The church is willing to lease the land to Outreach for this purpose. However, they noted a requirement from the North Carolina housing agency for a development partner to move forward. The speaker urged the city council to assist in finding a suitable developer to help realize this housing project.

These discussions highlight the city council's role in facilitating partnerships that address critical social issues, such as mental health and housing shortages. The outcomes of these proposals could significantly impact the community, providing much-needed support for individuals struggling with addiction and increasing access to affordable housing.

As the council considers these requests, the implications of their decisions will resonate throughout Raleigh, potentially shaping the future of community health and housing stability in the region.