The Supportive-Recovery Residence Program.

Assembly Member Haney's legislation authorizes state funding for supportive-recovery residences that emphasize abstinence within California's Housing First framework, while maintaining core harm reduction principles. The bill establishes certification requirements through the Department of Housing and Community Development, which must adopt standards from organizations like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Under the proposal, state programs can fund these specialized residences provided that at least 90% of program funds support housing or services using a harm-reduction model. The legislation prohibits eviction based solely on substance use relapse and requires operators to secure alternative permanent housing with harm reduction principles before discharging residents. Supportive-recovery residences must demonstrate successful outcomes in housing retention comparable to harm reduction programs.

The Department may charge certification fees up to $1,000 to cover administrative costs, with proceeds directed to a new Supportive-Recovery Residence Program Fund. Counties retain authority to impose additional quality standards when contracting for recovery residence services and may establish reciprocity agreements with certifying organizations regarding requirements. The bill responds to legislative findings showing that 46% of homeless Californians report substance use problems, with overdose deaths among this population increasing nearly 500% between 2010 and 2020.