Recovery home residents face impact of federal funding cuts

Program Overview - Fresh Start in Columbia, Tennessee, provides group homes for women in recovery, aiming to build community [1] - The program faced a budget cut of approximately 25% due to the elimination of a federal grant for substance abuse prevention and treatment [2] - Due to budget constraints, Fresh Start had to close one of its five rented houses and cannot afford necessary repairs [3] Impact on Residents - Residents like Beth, who has a history of opioid use and has been revived with Narcan multiple times (13 times in one week), rely on the program for support and stability [3] - Budget cuts have forced residents to buy their own groceries, leading to concerns about food security [4] - Residents express fears of relapse and homelessness if the program continues to shrink or shut down [5] Government Response - The Department of Health and Human Services claims that essential mental health and substance use programs continue [6] - Residents question the decisions made in Washington, emphasizing their worth and potential for recovery [6]