Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-Based Treatment and Support

The Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-Based Treatment and Support grant, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to enhance access to comprehensive services for vulnerable populations. Specifically, this program is focused on street-based engagement for individuals experiencing homelessness who also struggle with serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), substance use disorders (SUD), or co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. SAMHSA is a federal agency committed to advancing behavioral health across the United States and is recognized for funding innovative programs that improve outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. This initiative prioritizes a holistic approach to support, integrating evidence-based treatment and recovery services into outreach strategies. The program encourages the formation of multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated services, such as housing navigation, behavioral health care, case management, and peer support. The funding is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning SAMHSA will maintain substantial involvement with the funded entities to guide implementation and ensure adherence to the goals of the initiative. The total anticipated funding for this program is $24 million, with up to eight awards expected, signaling an intent to support large-scale, comprehensive interventions. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include political subdivisions of states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. The eligibility focus underscores SAMHSA’s commitment to empowering local and tribal governments to address behavioral health needs in their communities, especially among unsheltered populations. While further eligibility criteria and application component details are not provided in the forecast, applicants can expect to submit detailed proposals demonstrating capacity to deliver integrated care and reach underserved individuals through street outreach mechanisms. The cooperative agreement format implies recipients will engage regularly with SAMHSA staff to share data, review progress, and receive technical assistance throughout the performance period. This ensures accountability and consistent quality across grantees. Applicants should be prepared to engage in data reporting, participate in learning collaboratives, and adopt practices that align with SAMHSA’s recovery-oriented framework. While the estimated start date and award date are not specified, the application period is forecasted to open around April 15, 2026, indicating applicants will likely have a spring-summer window to prepare their submissions. There is no cost-sharing or match requirement for this funding opportunity, removing a potential barrier for applicants with limited financial resources. Additional contact information is provided for technical questions, with inquiries directed to Doug Slothouber at 240-276-1453 or via email at [email protected]. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s site for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) when posted, which will include further submission mechanics, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. Finally, while the grant is currently in the forecasted stage and details such as project start date and application deadline remain pending, its recurring nature and strategic alignment with SAMHSA’s goals suggest future rounds may follow a similar spring timeline. Entities preparing for this grant should begin internal planning and community assessments to build a responsive and data-informed application once the NOFO is released.