LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced a combined $5 million in grants to support those struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or intellectual disabilities.
The funding will go towards a pair of providers for infrastructure improvements that support both youth and adults.
“This announcement builds on my administration’s work to support some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor Sanders. “These grants meet Arkansans in need where they are and puts them on a path to a better life – we will continue working to ensure all our citizens have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”
$2 million of the funding will go towards Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities and allow Unity Health in Searcy to add additional beds and expand treatment programs for children and teens.
The remaining $3 million will be used for Supported Housing Units for Adults and Independence Care of Arkansas to purchase, renovate, and construct tiny homes in Camden for adults transitioning from therapeutic settings into the community.
Independence Care of Arkansas will partner with local health care providers, mental health professionals, and the community to deliver residents with services as part of a supportive living community at the Millcreek Mobile Home & RV Park at 101 Ouachita Road 471 in Camden.
“The projects supported by these grants will fill gaps in coverage and help deliver better services to youth seeking to transition out of addiction and adults with behavioral health or intellectual disabilities who are reintegrating into their communities,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are grateful for the support of the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, our partners in the community, and everyone who helped make these grants a reality, and we look forward to seeing these projects take root and begin serving at-risk Arkansans.”
Both projects must be completed by September 2026, and both grant recipients are required to continue operations of the newly renovated programs for at least five years afterwards.
