Research Alert: May 16, 2024

Housing for Rural Residents Recovering from Substance Use Disorders

Housing is a well-documented social determinant of health. For individuals experiencing challenges with substance use, stable and supportive housing is a critical element of their health and recovery journey. The stress of not having safe or affordable housing may increase the risk of substance use and relapse. There can be many barriers to housing for individuals in recovery, however, and rural residents in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) may experience greater difficulty in accessing housing. The purpose of this case series is to highlight organizations providing housing for individuals in recovery from SUDs in rural communities. These may serve as examples to others considering this work.

Case #1: Solace Apartments in St. Peter, Minnesota is an example of a “Housing First” approach to provide supportive housing for individuals in recovery and their families.

Case#2: The Sober Transitional Housing Program at the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center in Pendleton, Oregon offers a culturally-responsive approach to providing housing and recovery resources to American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Case #3: Hope House Ministries in Ravenswood, West Virginia is an example of a faith-based approach to providing housing and support to women in recovery.

Additional Resources of Interest:

• More information about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
• More information from the Rural Health Information Hub's topic guides: Human Services, Substance Use and Misuse