Arcadia OKs opioid‑settlement funds for mobile day center and emergency shelter services

The Arcadia City Council on Nov. 5 approved proposals to spend opioid‑settlement funds on local services for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. Council authorized $154,669 for Playhouse Arts’ OurSpace program to operate a mobile arts‑based clubhouse/day center and $217,048 for Arcata House Partnership (received and described to council as an Arcadia‑area sheltering provider) to expand day warming center capacity and overnight sheltering and wraparound services.

Nut graf: The funding comes from California’s statewide opioid litigation settlements; staff reported the city has received about $4.91 million to date (the local share of distributed settlement payments and interest) and expects additional smaller annual payments through 2038 and possible larger receipts if the Purdue/Sackler settlement distributions proceed to local governments. State guidance encourages high‑impact uses such as services for communities disproportionately affected by SUD; staff said the two proposals target unsheltered residents and those with substance use impacts and therefore match the state’s priority areas.

Playhouse Arts/OurSpace (co‑directors Caroline Griffith and Gabrielle Beckas) described an art‑center model that has functioned as a day‑center for people experiencing homelessness, providing studio time, connection to services, and community building. Their proposal requests funding for a mobile unit, staffing and supplies to provide consistent hours and to coordinate harm‑reduction referrals and service fairs. OurSpace said the model emphasizes participant employment, relationship building, and providing a safe indoor place during rain and winter months.

Arcata/Arcadia House Partnership (Darlene Spore) proposed to use funds to expand day‑warming center operations and to provide emergency overnight shelter capacity and case management during the winter months. Speakers from both organizations said rapid start is possible if funds are approved; Arcata House estimated it could stand up enhanced operations in roughly two weeks after authorization.

Council debate focused on program details and duration; several council members and many public commenters supported the allocations while urging parallel investments in permanent housing. The council approved both allocations and authorized the City Manager to execute the required documents.

Ending: Staff noted ongoing reporting requirements and emphasized that the settlement funds must be spent consistent with state guidance; council asked staff to continue outreach for other community ideas and to consider prevention/education uses (school‑based work) in future rounds of funding.