BY ZOEY RITCHIE 

During its meeting April 1, the Volusia County Council approved a funding package totaling $1,323,174 for three agencies committed to enhancing substance abuse treatment and prevention in the community.

These agencies include First Step Shelter, a comprehensive homeless program in Daytona Beach, which will receive $339,487 to expand its services, including emergency and transitional shelter, case management, and medication-assisted treatment. This project will focus on preventing homelessness and relapse by enhancing coordination, transportation for medical and behavioral care, and peer recovery support.

The Hearthstone Fellowship Foundation, a program that provides outpatient substance abuse treatment and educational services in the Volusia and Flagler county area, has been allocated $483,687 to extend its recovery housing and evidence-based treatment modalities. The funding will enable the foundation to increase the availability of substance use disorder and mental health treatments in the community. The foundation’s approach includes a mix of recovery housing, case management and telehealth services, emphasizing safe and sustainable recovery environments.

The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, which provides food pantries, financial assistance programs and housing programs for men, women and families, has received a $500,000 grant to implement the Steps Program, which provides comprehensive support integrating housing, treatment services, and outreach efforts. Targeting high-risk individuals, the program will focus on preventing homelessness and relapse through case management, outpatient treatment, and essential daily support, aiming for a significant, lasting impact on the community.

With these grants, the Volusia County Council has made another push to continue the community’s ongoing fight against the opioid crisis.