County allocates opioid-trust funds to St. James Haven for transitional living center

Crawford County commissioners voted June 10 to allocate $255,746.90 from opioid-trust funds to St. James Haven to purchase and renovate a transitional living center, the executive director said.

Sam, who identified themself as executive director of St. James Haven, told commissioners the center is intended to bridge a gap for men leaving emergency shelter who often relapse while seeking stable housing. “We were looking at a transitional living center so that they can go from St. James Haven to the transitional living center and have wraparound services supporting them through drug and alcohol counseling, having a job, saving money,” Sam said.

The director said stays could last from nine months to two years depending on individual needs. County finance staff told the board the allocation has been approved by the state opioid trust committee and will use opioid-trust funds. Commissioners approved the allocation by voice and roll call.

Why it matters: County officials said the center will provide a structured step toward independent living for residents receiving substance-use treatment, combining housing with counseling and employment supports. Commissioners indicated St. James Haven will handle operational responsibilities once the facility is ready.

The board also discussed next steps: Sam said St. James Haven will return to the county to report on renovation progress and initial purchases to get the program running. The allocation was approved at the June 10 meeting; no vote tally or additional funding conditions were recorded in the transcript.