Recovery Residence Work Group

In Special Session Law 2025 Chapter 9, Article 4, Section 51, the Minnesota State Legislature required DHS to collaborate with interested parties across the state to produce a report that examines how other states fund recovery residences and create an implementable plan addressing the housing needs of individuals in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment. This work group will be active throughout 2026, including monthly meetings and additional asynchronous work between meetings (e.g., supporting research, engaging with affected communities, contributing to the work group’s final report).

The components of the plan will include:

  • Clear strategies for aligning housing models with individual treatment needs
  • An assessment of funding streams, including potential federal funding sources
  • Recommendations for future resource allocation to ensure long-term housing stability for individuals in recovery
  • Specific recommendations for policy or legislative changes that may be required to support sustainable recovery housing solutions
  • Recommendations for potentially delegating the commissioner’s recovery residence certification duties to a third-party organization

In addition to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and MN Department of Human Services (DHS) designees, the work group will include representation from:

  • People who have experience living in recovery residences
  • Representatives from SUD lodging facilities currently operating in MN
  • Representatives from county social services agencies from both the metro area and Greater MN
  • A representative from a Tribal social services agency
  • Representatives from the MN affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
  • Representatives from state mental health advocacy and adult mental health provider organizations

Work Group consultation and facilitation will be conducted by The Improve Group

All upcoming meetings are scheduled on the second Monday of the month starting on 1/12/26 from 11:00am to 1:00pm CST with one exception in October.  In observance of Indigenous People’s Day, the October work group meeting will be held on 10/14/26. Work group meetings are open to the public, please email Becky Stewart at beckys@theimprovegroup.com for meeting link if interested.

Questions?
• If you would like to offer opinions or questions about recovery residence programs, please send an email to MN_DHS_Recovery_Supports_BHA@state.mn.us.