Special housing is now available in Salt Lake County for about 150 people in addiction recovery. Eligible clients, many of whom were arrested during the crime and drug crackdown Operation Rio Grande, will receive vouchers for up to three months at a sober living home.
The Sober Living Voucher Program provides supportive housing for people who’ve completed a drug treatment program or participated in the Operation Rio Grande specialty drug court. The program also requires clients to continue treatment for substance abuse and actively seek work.
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams says many of the Operation Rio Grande arrestees were homeless.
“Even if they complete their drug treatment program, many will still struggle with living arrangements that aren’t just sleeping on someone’s couch or hanging with some of their drug user acquaintances,” McAdams says.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services spent $300,000 on the program. The department will help clients with job placement and arrange for transportation. Fourteen clients have already been placed in homes as of Monday.