Local recovery leaders ask board for support as they seek funding to launch women's residential program

Local recovery advocates and program leaders asked the board to consider supporting Live Again, a proposed residential program for women focused on addiction recovery, mental health and housing stability.

Teresa Hogan, who said she has run outpatient and homeless outreach programs for two decades, described the initiative as a faith‑based residential program for women with connections to courts and local judges and asked the city for whatever assistance it could provide. “We have a huge problem with drugs and alcohol, mental health, and homeless,” Hogan told the board, and she said the program would pursue local donors and partners while requesting municipal support for start‑up and operations where feasible.

A program graduate, Clifford Hunkel, testified about his recovery experience at a faith‑based residential program and urged support for Live Again, saying local residential programs can restore family relationships and stability. Hunkel said his six‑month residency and follow‑up supports allowed him to obtain employment and housing.

Board members expressed appreciation for the work and asked staff what city support might entail; staff did not commit funding at the meeting but said they would accept program materials and work with the presenters on grant‑matching possibilities and referrals to existing funding sources and partner organizations. Presenters said they had some private donors and were seeking city help to bridge initial operational costs.

No motion to approve city funding was taken; presenters were advised to continue working with staff and with local philanthropic partners and to submit formal grant requests or budget items for future consideration.