By Gina Yarbrough
National City, CA–U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other federal officials visited National City on Wednesday to announce a new initiative aimed at addressing homelessness and addiction.
Kennedy was joined by Sara Carter, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner at the San Diego Rescue Mission.
Secretary Kennedy unveiled the Best Practices Toolkit: Addressing Homelessness and Addiction Through Treatment First, a resource designed to help communities develop strategies for assisting people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
The toolkit promotes a “Treatment First” approach that emphasizes access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services, along with coordinated support intended to help people move toward stable housing, recovery and self-sufficiency.
“Treatment must come first. Recovery begins when we connect people with effective care, not leave them trapped in addiction and homelessness,” Kennedy said. “This toolkit gives communities practical, evidence-based strategies to expand treatment, support lasting recovery, and help people reclaim their independence.”
Turner said the initiative is intended to combine housing assistance with treatment and recovery services.
“Housing is essential, but housing alone is not enough,” Turner said. “This toolkit gives communities a practical playbook designed by experts across the country to put treatment first and help more homeless Americans achieve lasting recovery, stability and independence.”
The toolkit was developed with input from experts with experience in homelessness, addiction treatment and recovery. Federal officials said it is intended to provide communities with strategies that can be adapted to local needs.
Federal officials said the initiative is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand access to addiction treatment and recovery services across the country.
The administration also cited data indicating high rates of substance use and mental illness among people experiencing homelessness. The figures cited at the event were not independently verified in the announcement.
