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

The Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-Based Treatment and Support program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is designed to address the growing national crisis of homelessness among individuals experiencing serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. The program emphasizes a coordinated, community-wide response that integrates behavioral health treatment, housing support, and public safety systems to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. The core purpose of the program is to fund comprehensive, street-based engagement and treatment models that actively locate and serve individuals experiencing homelessness. Applicants are expected to implement multidisciplinary approaches that include mobile outreach teams, coordinated care systems, and partnerships across local government, law enforcement, courts, housing providers, and healthcare organizations. The program prioritizes assertive outreach and rapid connection to evidence-based treatment services, with the goal of promoting recovery, self-sufficiency, and long-term housing stability. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, allowing for substantial federal involvement in program oversight and technical assistance. Awardees may receive up to three million dollars per year for a project period of up to four years. Funds are primarily intended to support direct service delivery, including clinical treatment, case management, and recovery support services. Housing assistance is allowable but must be contingent on participation in treatment and progress toward recovery. Certain activities are explicitly restricted, including non-recovery housing models and harm reduction approaches that do not align with program requirements. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to political subdivisions of states, such as cities and counties, as well as federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations. These entities are expected to demonstrate the capacity to coordinate across multiple systems and deliver integrated services at the community level. Applicants must also provide documentation of experience, licensing, and partnerships, including letters of commitment from key stakeholders such as behavioral health providers, housing agencies, and justice system representatives. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple supporting attachments such as letters of commitment, data collection plans, and a project timeline. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria including population need, implementation strategy, evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 17, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced around September 1, 2026, with project activities beginning by September 30, 2026. Services funded under this program must begin within six months of award. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. While no explicit recurring cycle is stated, the structure and federal nature of the program suggest potential future iterations depending on appropriations and policy priorities.

Strong cross-system partnerships and clear evidence-based treatment models are critical; demonstrate measurable outcomes and readiness to implement within six months