Project Hope for the Homeless recently announced it has received $131,942 in grant funding to support its efforts in helping fight addiction by delivering needed case management and hiring of a social services specialist. The grant from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation will go toward addressing homelessness and recovery from substance use disorder, said Executive Director Judy Burr. “We are extremely honored to use these funds to help our guests who struggle with addiction,” Burr stated in a news release. “Seventy percent of those who enter our doors suffer with chemical dependency and/or severe mental health issues. These folks will now get more 1:1 care, guidance and support thanks to OneOhio Recovery Foundation providing funds for a social services specialist.” The grant is part of an inaugural round of approximately $51 million in funding made available by the foundation as part of its mission to combat the opioid epidemic by supporting prevention, treatment and recovery programs and services in our communities, the release stated. The grant money was funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic. Across Ohio, organizations like Project Hope for the Homeless, located in Painesville Township, are working day in and day out to strengthen their communities that have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, said Alisha Nelson, the foundation’s executive director. “We’re pleased to partner with Project Hope for the Homeless to support their efforts to save lives, rebuild families affected by addiction, and foster strong and resilient places to live,” Nelson stated in the release. The recipients announced as part of the Foundation’s first grant cycle were chosen after a review process that included evaluation by the local OneOhio Regional Board, the OneOhio Expert Panel and the foundation’s Board of Directors, according to the release Grant recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the opioid crisis. The funded initiatives are evidenced-based and align with Ohio’s approved abatement strategies, including prevention, recovery supports and services for impacted families and children.