Walsh launches program aimed at recovery needs for low-income Bostonians

Mayor Martin Walsh announced the launch of a new initiative Thursday that is aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from substance abuse. The PAIR (Personal Advancement for Individuals in Recovery) Initiative is a grant program, made possible through collaboration between The Letter Foundation and the Gavin Foundation. It will provide support for recovering addicts in achieving their housing, education, and workplace goals.

The Letters Foundation, a charity run by Warren and Doris Buffett, has committed $100,000 dollars to kickstart the initiative. The first-of-its-kind in the United States, the program is designed for low income people in the early stages of recovery, many of whom will be re-entering the community from correctional facilities.

"It's hard to maintain your recovery if you don't have a roof over your head, a meaningful job, or opportunities for personal advancement," said Mayor Walsh. "The PAIR initiative will allow us to better support people in recovery as they get their feet on the ground. Those in recovery are taking their lives one day at a time -- but we need to ensure they have access to critical services like rent, education and training.”

Many recovering users are held back by economic uncertainty or a lack of employment opportunity, both examples of what a Surgeon General report on addiction calls “Recovery Capital.” According to the report, “Recovery Capital” is vital to seeing the recovery process through in its entirety.

"This project will reduce obstacles that can lead to relapse, recidivism and despair,” said John McGahan, President and CEO of the Gavin Foundation, a nonprofit substance-abuse treatment agency based in South Boston.

“The PAIR initiative will provide critical wrap around services such as housing assistance and educational and employment support, which complement treatment and assist in taking our clients from darkness to dignity."


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