DUBUQUE (AP) — A $2.7 million grant will help fund a Dubuque center that will provide treatment and housing for people dealing with substance-use issues.
The funds from the Iowa Finance Authority will help the Manasseh House/Operation Empower cover most of the $3.2 million needed for the proposed recovery center, The Telegraph Herald reported.
“We want to change the landscape of things here in Dubuque,” said Michelle Mihalakis, executive director of Manasseh. “We want to make recovery a reality.”
The organization plans to renovate a former bank building into a recovery and training center, Mihalakis said. The facility will offer support groups, art therapy and drug and alcohol education.
The nonprofit also plans to construct an adjacent apartment building. Liberty Place Apartments will feature 24 one-bedroom units that will provide supportive housing to people dealing with substance-use disorders and issues. The apartments will likely be leased for $416 a month, which includes rent, utilities and programming access.
Programming will also include a leadership academy that aims to encourage people to find jobs in the addiction recovery field.
“We will have just about everything I can think of that will promote long-term survival,” Mihalakis said.
The center plans to partner with area organizations, such as hospitals and treatment centers, she said.
Republican Rep. Shannon Lundgren of Peosta said she’s happy the center has received state funding.
“It’s definitely going to be something that is needed, and it is going to be an amazing benefit to the Dubuque area and Iowans in general,” she said.
Mihalakis said the organization still needs to raise the remaining funds, complete an administrative plan and secure contractors. She said they hope to open the facility in early 2020.