Community Development Block Grant-Recovery Housing Program (RHP)

Action Plan Citizen Participation Application Procurement Additional Resources Performance and Financial Reports Programs

Program Summary

The West Virginia Department of Economic Development (WVDED) is acting as the lead agency and partnering with West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR), and our network of community providers in the Continuum of Care across the State. The Department of Economic Development proposes the creation of the West Virginia Recovery Housing Program (WVRHP) in response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Register Notice Number FR-6225-N-01. The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) supports individuals in recovery on their path to self-sufficiency. By providing stable housing to support recovery, RHP aims to support efforts for independent living. More specifically, RHP provides the funds to develop housing or maintain housing for individuals. Assistance per individual is limited to no longer than 24 months or until permanent housing is secured, whichever is first. WVRHP would utilize two waivers which include the expanded limited clientele criteria to meet the low to moderate benefit National Objective and the addition of rehabilitation as a housing activity.

Definitions

For this grant to ensure individuals with certain types of substance issues and co-occurring disabilities are not excluded and that the WV RHP Program does not exclusively target a specific type of substance use disorder, two definitions have been adopted as defined by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

Individual in Recovery (SAMSHA):

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential

Substance Use Disorder (SAMSHA):

Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

Program Phases

All phases are concurrent.

Phase 1: Phase 1 is a Housing Voucher program which entails partnering with West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences, Inc. (WVARR) to offer income-based housing and utility support (as needed) to qualified program beneficiaries for their accommodation in recovery housing facilities.

Phase 2: Phase 2 will include an annual application process. Please note priority will be given to entitlement communities to ensure capacity. A notice regarding funding availability, an application workshop date, and application due date will be available to the public on or before January 15, 2025. An application workshop will be available to discuss RHP overview, eligible activities, and required documentation for application submission. WVDED will accept applications up to 60 days after the application workshop. Attendance for applicants is required either virtually or in-person. The State of West Virginia may be open to funding the eligible activities listed below. Public Facility Improvements, Acquisition of Real Property, New or Expanded Services, Disposition of Real Property Acquisition, Clearance and Demolition, or New Construction.

Phase 3: Phase 3 will consist of a rolling Rehabilitation and Reconstruction application process for recovery residences striving to become WVARR certified. A mandatory Technical Assistance session with WVDED is required prior to submission of the application.

Priority Counties

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health (Health Statistics Center) tracks Drug Overdose Mortality data by county. Thus far in 2024, the data shows that the top five counties with the highest fatal overdoses are currently the following: Kanawha, Cabell, Raleigh, Monongalia, and Mercer. These counties will be prioritized during the application round.

Timeline

CDBG-RHP Applications released: January 15, 2025
CDBG-RHP Application In-Person/Virtual Workshop: February 3, 2025
Application Due Date: April 4, 2025
Award Decisions: August 1, 2025
Annual Action Plan Available for Public Comment: July 28, 2025
Quarterly Performance Report Available for Public Comment: October 13, 2025

To Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse

All West Virginia employees and contractor employees have a responsibility to report waste, fraud and abuse within the agency. The public is also invited to share such concerns. To assist you, the West Virginia Disaster Recovery Office maintains a hotline to report your concerns. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse please call (304) 553-0927.

The following services are available to encourage participation: language assistance for persons who have limited English proficiency and special accommodations will be made available by contacting [email protected] . Please contact the WV Department of Economic Development for instructions to any of the online webinar meetings. WVDED does business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act (The Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988) with equal access to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.