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Gardens of Andalusia requests $20,000 from opioid-settlement funds to open women's sober-living home
Summary
Andrea Miller, executive director of the Gardens of Andalusia, asked Covington County commissioners for $20,000 from opioid-settlement funds to secure a seven-bedroom transitional home for women in recovery; commissioners and staff cautioned about funding restrictions and urged the group to get city approval first.
Andrea Miller, executive director and founder of the Gardens of Andalusia, told the commission she and her board seek $20,000 from state opioid-settlement funds to secure and operate a seven-bedroom, seven-bath transitional sober-living residence for six to nine women leaving treatment or incarceration.
"This request is not just about a house. It's about creating a pathway to recovery, stability, and purpose for women in our community who are working to rebuild their lives," Miller said, describing plans for a 12-to-18-month residency, employment requirements for residents, live-in house managers and a goal of certification through the Alabama Alliance of Recovery Residences once operational.
Miller provided a proposed breakdown of the $20,000 request (deposit and move-in costs, two months' rent and utilities, liability insurance and start-up items) and said the organization projects an annual operating budget of about $120,000 supported by grants, donors and partnerships. She said the group has raised modest seed funds and planned a May 9 fundraiser.
Commissioners and staff asked practical questions. Commissioner McGahay asked whether the group had city approval for siting the home; Miller said she had contacted the city office but had not yet secured a meeting. Karen, a county staff member, reminded commissioners that opioid-settlement funds are often restricted to treatment, recovery services and housing-related supports and that each settlement may include spending restrictions: "That's correct," Karen said when the chair noted settlement funds can be restricted.
Commissioners advised the group to obtain city approval or confirmation that the home's planned use complies with local zoning before the commission considers any funding commitment. No appropriation or formal commitment of county funds was made at the meeting.
Next steps: the Gardens of Andalusia will pursue city meetings and continue fundraising; commissioners said they will consider restrictions on settlement-fund uses before any county contribution.
