December 23, 2025

Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council Selects UTHealth Houston to Expand Recovery Housing for Texans Recovering from Opioid Use Disorder

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC or the Council) voted to award UTHealth Houston a grant of up to $25 million to expand and enhance recovery housing resources across Texas for those recovering from opioid use disorder. This investment will increase access to safe, supportive recovery homes that provide a stable environment as people rebuild their lives and work toward long-term recovery.

“By expanding recovery housing across Texas, we are investing in solutions that save lives, strengthen communities and give people the support they need to achieve lasting recovery from opioid use disorder,” said Hancock, who chairs the Council.

After completion of a comprehensive needs assessment, the grant will support efforts to increase the number and availability of Level 2 or Level 3 recovery homes in Texas, as defined by National Alliance for Recovery Residences. The goal is for recovery residences to offer access to case management, wraparound services and medications for opioid use disorder. 

The grant agreement, once finalized by both parties, will establish a three-year term with an optional two-year extension. 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis with evidence-based solutions. Recovery housing is not just a place to stay — it’s a supportive community where people can rebuild their lives and achieve lasting recovery,” Council Member Ronnie Enriquez Jr. said.

The Texas Legislature formed the OAFC in 2021 to ensure money recovered through the joint efforts of the state and its political subdivisions from statewide opioid settlement agreements is allocated fairly and spent to remediate the opioid crisis using efficient, cost-effective methods. The OAFC is made up of 13 appointed experts and administered by Hancock, who serves as the non-voting presiding officer.

For more information about the work of the OAFC, including settlement agreements and other related documents, go to the Comptroller’s website.