SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Regional Opioid Settlement Committee Recommendation for Funding to Wear Gloves Dignity House (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $261,250)
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Cheryl Butler, Director |
Community Services |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2024, the Board approved the Interlocal Agreement to monitor and review the expenditure of opioid settlement funds between Marion County and Marion County Hospital District (MCHD), followed by a First Amendment on December 17, 2024. This Agreement designates MCHD as the disbursement agent responsible for distribution, vetting, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures for regional opioid funds.
On June 16, 2026, the Board approved the 2026-27 Marion County Regional Opioid Abatement Plan, which established five (5) funding priorities recommended by the Opioid Settlement Committee to include:
• Expansion of Warm Handoff Programs and Recovery Services
• Pregnant and Postpartum Women
• Connections to Care
• Support People in Treatment and Recovery
• Address the Needs of Criminal-Justice-Involved Persons
On October 7, 2026, the Opioid Settlement Committee reviewed and recommended approval of six (6) projects consistent with the approved priorities. Of these, two (2) are renewal projects previously funded, and four (4) are new projects. Each project will be presented to the Board for consideration as a separate agenda item.
One of the recommended renewal projects is Wear Gloves Dignity House, a low-barrier transitional recovery housing program for men with substance use disorders that aligns with the “Support People in Treatment and Recovery” funding priority. The original funding award of $193,800 was approved by the Board on October 7, 2025 (see attached FY 2025-2026 FINAL Recommendation Packet). Since June 2025, the program has served 40 men and provided 557 supportive services to promote housing stability and long-term recovery. In May 2026, the program expanded its capacity from 12 to 19 residents while maintaining appropriate staffing and service quality. For fiscal year 2026-2027, the program anticipates serving 50 clients, a 25% increase over the previous grant year. The recommended funding of $250,000 will support expanded staffing and operational capacity to accommodate the projected increase in clients while maintaining recovery support services.
The recommended renewal award is $250,000, and in accordance with MCDH’s interlocal agreement with the County, a 4.5% administrative allocation is required, bringing the total recommended distribution to $261,250.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $261,250.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the recommendation and authorize the Marion County Hospital District to issue agreements and distribute the approved funds to Wear Gloves Dignity House.
end