April 25, 2024

Dubuque center gets $2.7M for drug recovery facility

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.