BEDFORD – The Men’s Warming Shelter is seeking a portion of the county’s opioid settlement funds to support its ongoing work with men battling addiction and mental illness.
According to Heather Flynn, the shelter’s director, the shelter assisted 73 men last year, with 68 of them reporting struggles with opioid addiction, mental health issues, or a combination of both. Flynn noted that there may be additional men who did not come forward with their challenges.
Thanks to previous distributions of opioid funds, the shelter was able to employ a case manager who helped clients access necessary services, including addiction treatment, mental health support, and assistance with finding housing and employment. Flynn emphasized that the continued availability of these services is critical to preventing relapse and improving the lives of the men served.
While county commissioners strongly supported the shelter’s work, they emphasized reviewing the amounts available in restricted and unrestricted opioid fund accounts before deciding.
“You do an excellent job,” said Vice President Wally Branham. “You are providing a much-needed service and keeping these men from returning to jail.”
President Rodney Fish suggested that Flynn return to the commission in February, allowing the commissioners to review the available funds and make a well-informed decision carefully.
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