Washington State Laws, Policies and Funding
RH terminology used by the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) “All recovery residences are centered on peer support and a connection to services that promote long-term recovery. Recovery housing benefits individuals in recovery by:
– Reinforcing a substance-free lifestyle
– Providing direct connections to other peers in recovery, mutual support groups, and recovery support services.”
Accreditation, Certification, and State Licensing Requirement: NARR certification required to be listed on the state registry and for referral to a home.
RH Law(s): HB 1528 (2019) Requires the Health Care Authority to establish a registry of approved recovery residences. Requires a recovery residence to meet a nationally recognized certification standard to appear on the registry or be a chapter of a national recovery residence organization that meets specified standards. Prohibits licensed or certified residential substance use disorder treatment agencies from discharging a client to a recovery residence that is not on the registry effective January 1, 2023. Establishes a revolving loan fund to assist operators of new recovery residences or operators who are actively seeking certification for existing residences.
Legislation: None/unknown
Regulations: None/unknown
SABG Program: The “Planned Priority Areas” documents for your state’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) program and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program do not specifically mention recovery housing as a priority, nor do they list recovery support services as an allowable activity. To learn more about specific recovery housing activities that are eligible for funding through these grant programs, please reach out to your state’s Single State Agency (SSA) that’s responsible for administering these funds by visiting https://www.hca.wa.gov/
According to WebBGAS, this state has indicated that it has established a revolving loan fund using SABG funds to develop RH for individuals in recovery.
SOR Program: Your state’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has previously funded recovery activities using State Opioid Response (SOR) funds. To learn more about specific recovery housing activities that are eligible for funding through this grant program, please reach out to your state’s Single State Agency (SSA) that’s responsible for administering these funds by visiting https://www.hca.wa.gov/
Medicaid Funding: Nothing in the state Medicaid plan suggests direct support for RH, however, certain covered activities could evolve to be provided in RH settings to include peer support, counseling, case management, life skills, and supported employment.
NARR Affiliate Status: Yes, the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR)
Housing Assistance Funding: https://www.wshfc.org/
Directory/Registry:
Certified Recovery Residenceshttps://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-behavioral-health-support/recovery-residences
Washington Funders
Seattle Foundation
Established in 1946, the Seattle Foundation aims to support thriving communities where individuals have equal opportunities and outcomes. The Foundation was established by Dr. Richard Fuller, the founder of the Seattle Art Museum and a leader in civic engagement.
Regions: The Seattle Foundation supports communities across Washington, including both rural and non-rural counties.
Issues Supported: The Foundation’s key areas of funding focus include education, health, and human services. The Foundation supports nonprofits that are working to improve the well-being of communities through projects in the arts, culture, civic support, and health and wellness.
Grant Process and Application: The Seattle Foundation offers several grant programs with varying deadlines. Find out more information about open grant programs and corresponding deadlines by visiting the Foundation’s website.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2019, the Seattle Foundation provided grants in the amount of $113 million.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Chief Seattle Club is a grantee located in Seattle that provides housing for individuals struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, and disabilities. Truly Motivated Transitional Living is another grantee located in Yelm, Washington (in partially rural Thurston County), that provides sober housing opportunities for men and women in recovery from substance abuse.
Washington Opioid Settlement Funds
Washington is not participating in the national opioid settlement and instead chose to pursue legal action independently.
How About Your County?
To get a quick overview of the resources available in your county, including gaps that may need to be addressed, visit the Recovery Ecosystem Index Map developed through a partnership between the Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence, the NORC Walsh Center at the University of Chicago, and East Tennessee State University.
Need More Info?
A year in the making by a staff of ten, the Fletcher Group’s 82-page Recovery Housing Landscape Report provides an in-depth overview of the most recent laws, policies, and funding affecting recovery housing. You’ll find sections devoted to state laws, SAMHSA funding, Medicaid, corrections, and housing assistance plus numerous links to valuable resources and official documents. To see the complete downloadable report, click the image to the left.
This web page is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $13.7 million with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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