Safe SHORES Act Guarantees $50M Annually for Recovery Housing, Extends State Spending Deadline to 5 Years

This bill, officially titled the Safe and Secure Housing for Opioid Recovery and Enduring Stability Act of 2025 (or the Safe SHORES Act), is essentially a major update and reauthorization of a federal pilot program designed to help people recovering from substance use disorders find stable housing. The most immediate change is the program’s lifespan and budget: it’s now authorized to run from 2026 through 2030, and it establishes a minimum funding floor of $50,000,000 for each funding cycle (SEC. 2).

The New Rules of the Road for State Funds

For states and organizations running these recovery housing programs, the bill offers a significant relaxation of the spending clock. Previously, states had to spend at least 30 percent of the awarded funds within one year. Under Safe SHORES, that requirement is gone. Instead, states now have five years to spend the entire awarded amount. This gives state agencies much more flexibility in planning and executing complex housing projects, like renovations or new construction. However, this change also means that housing units might take longer to open up. If you are someone waiting for a spot in a recovery facility, this extended deadline could mean a longer wait time while the state takes its time getting the project off the ground (SEC. 2).

Moving Beyond Four Walls: Furniture and Follow-Up

The bill recognizes that a stable home needs more than just a roof. It now allows states to use up to 1 percent of their grant money to buy furniture for the temporary housing units. While 1% might sound small, for a state receiving the minimum $50 million, that’s up to $500,000 specifically designated for making these places habitable with beds, tables, and chairs. This is a practical fix that ensures people moving in aren't sleeping on the floor (SEC. 2).

Crucially, the legislation pushes for better outcomes. It strongly encourages grantees—the organizations running the recovery houses—to focus on best practices. This includes prioritizing facilities that offer residents job training and financial literacy classes, and those that commit to following up with residents after they leave to ensure long-term stability. For someone starting over, getting job skills alongside housing is the difference between temporary relief and a sustainable future (SEC. 2).

Tracking the Impact: Transparency on the Rise

The Safe SHORES Act significantly ramps up transparency and accountability. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must now track all grants using HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System database. Even more important for the public, HUD must submit a detailed annual report to Congress and make it public. This report has to cover how the money was spent, updates on construction projects, and detailed statistics on the residents served—including demographics, length of stay, and the percentage who successfully move into permanent housing (SEC. 2). This means we, the public, will get a much clearer picture of whether our tax dollars are actually translating into successful recovery stories.