Boise Seeks $5 Million Federal Grant for Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services
BOISE — The City of Boise has applied for a $5 million federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to launch Boise STREETS (Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support) to improve care for adults experiencing homelessness who are also living with severe mental illness, substance use disorders or co-occurring behavioral health conditions.
“By improving coordination across healthcare, housing and public safety systems, Boise STREETS would aim to increase housing stability, improve health outcomes, and enhance public safety in Boise and throughout Ada County,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “We are grateful for our local and federal partners who work hand-in-hand with the city on this work every day and have provided letters of support as we pursue this grant.”
If awarded, the grant would establish a comprehensive, street-based network that connects individuals with immediate treatment, recovery support, and housing navigation while strengthening coordination among the agencies that already serve them
“People experiencing chronic homelessness and significant behavioral health challenges often interact repeatedly with the same agencies, such as emergency rooms, emergency medical services, crisis centers, law enforcement and the justice system,” said Jessica Barawed, the Mayor’s advisor on homelessness. “While each organization currently provides valuable support, services are not always well connected, making it difficult for people to receive the long-term, coordinated care needed to achieve lasting stability.”
Rather than requiring individuals to navigate multiple systems independently, the initiative would create a coordinated pathway linking first responders, healthcare providers, justice system partners, street outreach teams, and recovery housing into a unified network focused on timely intervention and sustained support
The application brought together local county, justice system, and community partners and included support from Idaho’s federal delegation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. With a condensed application timeline, the flexibility, responsiveness, and willingness of local and federal partners to quickly engage and contribute, were instrumental in developing and submitting a strong application. The City of Boise expects to hear back from the federal government on the application later this fall.
Contact: Mayor’s Office Media Relations
(208) 972-8520 | info@cityofboise.org
