Recovery Housing

Texas Needs More Accredited Recovery Housing – A Smart Investment for a Stronger Future

A Critical Gap in Recovery Housing

• Texas is in the midst of a substance use and mental health crisis, yet 218 counties have no identified recovery housing options. With less than 75 accredited Level II-III recovery homes statewide and a need for at least 300 more, many Texans in recovery are left without safe, stable living environments.
• A $4.3 million budget rider proposed for the 2025-2026 biennium offers a cost-effective, evidence-based solution to expand NARR-accredited recovery housing, helping more Texans achieve long-term recovery while reducing public spending.

Why Accredited Recovery Housing Matters

• Recovery housing is more than just a place to live—it’s a proven model that fosters employment, independence, and sustained sobriety. Unlike unregulated housing, NARR-accredited residences meet national quality standards, ensuring safety, accountability, and strong recovery support.
• Lower Relapse & Recidivism – Recovery housing significantly reduces rates of relapse and re-incarceration, while Texas’ Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP) facilities report a 36% recidivism rate at a cost of $66.7 million per year.
• More Cost-Effective than Incarceration or Hospitalization – Recovery residences provide a supportive, community-based solution that is far less expensive than jails, prisons, or hospital stays.
• Strengthening Local Economies – Residents in recovery housing work, pay rent, and contribute to the economy, unlike institutional care that removes people from the workforce.

The Budget Rider Solution

The proposed budget rider would allocate $2.195M per year to the Texas state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) to expand and administer recovery housing accreditation.

• Ensures high standards and consumer protections
• Addresses the shortage of Level II-III recovery housing
• Supports people in recovery while saving taxpayer dollars

Texas Cannot Afford to Wait

With limited state funding for substance use recovery, Texas relies on federal grants for 70% of services—but this isn’t sustainable. Investing in quality recovery housing is a proven, fiscally responsible strategy that saves lives and money.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Henry, Policy Director, RecoveryPeople | elizabeth.henry@recoverypeople.org

Jason Pullin, Director, Texas Recovery-Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) | jason.pullin@trohn.org