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House Passes Bill to Expand Housing Options for Individuals Recovering From Opioid Addiction

Washington, Jun 14 -

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 5735, the Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments Demonstration Program Act of 2018, or the THRIVE Act by a vote of  230-173.

The opioid crisis strikes the hearts of communities around the nation. By using federal resources more efficiently and effectively, including housing programs, Congress can better address the needs of individuals recovering from opioid addiction.

The THRIVE Act, sponsored by Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), is designed to support transitional housing for individuals recovering from opioid addiction through Section 8 housing vouchers. This proposal would create a demonstration program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to allocate 10,000 vouchers, out of 2.2 million, to provide individuals struggling each day with opioid addiction or substance abuse disorders with supportive housing options to help them rejoin their communities.

“When somebody says there is a crisis of opioid use in America, I could not agree more. How negligent this body would be if we didn’t declare war on this crisis, and do what is right and what is smart to address this crisis,” said House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) on the floor. “So today, I want to thank Representative Barr for his leadership because I know how heart-felt the pain he knows from his district is. We have seen evidence that transitional housing can be a proven method to really help thousands and thousands of Americans maintain their sobriety after completing rehab, as they’re gaining skills, training, and trying to get back into being independent, productive members of society.”

“To achieve meaningful progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic in our nation, Congress can no longer simply focus on prevention, enforcement and treatment.  We must also implement policies that focus on long-term recovery,” said Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr (R-KY). “My legislation would support evidence-based models of transitional housing to help those in recovery maintain sobriety, gain valuable skills and job training, and obtain employment to eventually transition back into society and lead independent lives. I appreciate the support of my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee and look forward to the Senate’s consideration of this critical legislation that will empower individuals to rise above poverty and addiction.”

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