Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $50,000 to Support Safe Housing for Women Recovering from Substance Use Disorder

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $50,000 in federal funding for Archway Station, Inc.’s Allegany Oxford House, which will serve as a safe housing option for women recovering from substance use disorder and their children. The funding will be used to renovate the Allegany Oxford House in Cumberland into apartment-style residences for those receiving treatment.

“Safe, stable housing is a critical component of recovery from substance use disorder. With these federal funds, Archway Station will be able to help more women and their children in Allegany County as they work to rebuild their lives. We will continue fighting to secure more resources to tackle the opioid epidemic and help address addiction in Western Maryland and throughout our state,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Archway Station understands that helping individuals in treatment for substance use disorders requires providing patients with support, resources and a safe place to call home. With this federal funding, Archway Station will be able to make necessary renovations to their Oxford House location to provide shelter to women in recovery and their children,” said Senator Cardin. “It is critical that we continue to get resources to Maryland communities to help combat the opioid epidemic and support addiction recovery, especially as we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“With overdose deaths up 111% in Allegany County this year, this federal funding is critical in supporting Archway Station, Inc.’s Allegany Oxford House as they create safe housing for women and their children impacted by substance use disorder,” said Congressman Trone. “With this funding, the Allegany Oxford House will be able to continue to provide women with a safe environment to help them stay in recovery during this unprecedented pandemic. 

“The vision of Archway is to assist those who have addictions issues to become stable and self-sufficient while living with peers who help guide one another in recovery. The Oxford House is a welcomed addition to the community and will serve as a catalyst to assist those in recovery to get back on their feet and be able to lead a successful life in recovery,” said Jim Raley, Executive Director of Archway Station. 

Funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local governments. Established by Congress in 1965, ARC is comprised of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. 

This past December, the lawmakers helped secure a $5 million increase in funding for ARC, which will help boost the amount of federal funding available to support Western Maryland’s regional economies and improve residents’ lives.