Founders of Victoria’s Reentry Program appeal to Decatur council for opioid funds, report early success

Victoria Bell, founder of Victoria's Reentry Program, and several program residents addressed the Decatur City Council on Dec. 1 seeking city support and opioid‑allocation funding for a men’s reentry house at 2020 Lowry Street.

Bell told council she opened the home on Sept. 1 and said operating costs run about $4,000–$5,000 a month for utilities and food; she described vocational partnerships and volunteer transportation but said the program needs reliable transportation and other supports. “I decided to stop complaining about the problem, be a part of the solution,” Bell said, describing outreach to employers and local training partners.

Speakers associated with the program said they had personal experience with incarceration and substance use disorder and credited Bell’s work with helping them secure housing, counseling and connections to vocational training. One speaker said of the 10 men who have stayed at the home since it opened, one has relapsed after leaving the house; others described progress and the program’s role in preventing returns to criminal behavior.

Mayor and council thanked the speakers and said staff, including the chief and finance, would follow up to explore whether opioid funds might be available to support the program. Council did not make an immediate funding commitment during the meeting but signaled willingness to continue the conversation.

The reentry house founder also offered to provide tours and a written proposal to council. Staff noted they would investigate available opioid funding sources and discuss next steps with the mayor’s office.