The "Safe SHORES Act of 2025" reauthorizes and expands a pilot program providing housing assistance to individuals recovering from substance abuse, extending it through 2030 and updating requirements for fund distribution, data collection, and reporting.
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
The "Safe SHORES Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends a pilot program supporting stable housing for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders. The bill allocates funds, extends the program through 2030, and updates requirements for fund distribution, data collection, and reporting. It also allows funds to be used for furniture and encourages states to prioritize facilities with workforce development and financial literacy programs.
Recovery Housing Program Extended to 2030 with $50M+ Funding Under Safe SHORES Act
The Safe SHORES Act of 2025 aims to keep a pilot program running that helps people recovering from substance use disorders find stable housing. This bill amends the existing program (Section 8071 of the SUPPORT Act), extending its operation through 2030 and earmarking a minimum of $50 million 'as necessary' to support these efforts. The core goal remains providing temporary, stable housing as a foundation for recovery.
More Time, More Money (Maybe)
This legislation keeps the recovery housing pilot program alive for several more years, pushing the end date to 2030. It also updates the timeline for related applications and reports. Funding gets a boost on paper, with at least $50 million allocated. However, the phrase 'as necessary' is included, which could mean the actual amount distributed depends on future decisions about need, potentially offering less certainty than a fixed minimum. The bill also changes how high-need areas are identified, now looking at overdose data from the most recent five years.
Shifting Timelines and New Spending Rules
One significant change involves how states manage the funds. Previously, states had to spend at least 30% of their grant within the first year. This requirement is removed; instead, states now have a full five years to distribute all the funds they receive. This could give states more planning flexibility, but might also mean a slower initial flow of money to set up housing compared to the old rule. For the first time, states can use a small slice of the funds – up to 1% of their total award – to buy furniture for the temporary housing units, addressing a practical need in setting up these spaces. To keep tabs on spending, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will monitor grants through its existing Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
Encouraging Smarter Support and Teamwork
The Safe SHORES Act encourages states to be strategic with their funding. It nudges them to prioritize recovery housing facilities that offer more than just a roof – specifically, those providing workforce development programs, financial literacy training, and follow-up support for former residents. Facilities meeting state accreditation standards or those able to attract additional private or public funding are also encouraged priorities. Transparency is boosted through a required annual report to Congress, which will be made public, detailing how funds are used and the program's progress. Finally, the bill pushes for better government coordination, requiring HUD to develop an interagency strategy with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to better promote and support recovery housing nationwide.