HILLSDALE COUNTY — A request to allocate $145,800 in opioid settlement funds to support transitional housing project Hope Harbor for one year was unanimously denied June 23, following sharp public criticism.
The proposal, recommended by the Hillsdale County Opioid Settlement Committee, called for monthly payments of $12,150 to fund operations for the recovery-focused nonprofit, which is seeking to establish housing near the former Camp Hope.
The proposed budget included $650 for rent, $1,000 for utilities, and $500 for miscellaneous expenses, along with $5,500 per month for an executive director. An additional $4,500 was designated per month for operating costs, such as laundry, cleaning supplies, internet, office equipment, vehicle expenses, program materials, maintenance, food and professional services.
Hope Harbor aims to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder, particularly those working to achieve or maintain sobriety.
Public comment ahead of the vote reflected significant concern.
“I’m actually kind of confused on why this is even being considered,” said resident Bruno Cortez. “I’ve been hearing about this organization for a while now and none of it’s good.”
Hillsdale City Councilmember Matt Bentley also urged rejection, citing ongoing tensions between city leadership and the Hope Harbor.
“(Hillsdale City Council) agrees on very little … but there is one political issue (where there’s all but) unanimity … and that is (Hope Harbor),” Bentley said. “If you were to pass this, it would be an egregious affront to our body and our city.”
Hillsdale County Prosecutor Jamie Wisniewski questioned the lack of operational detail in the nonprofit’s proposal, including leadership qualifications, insurance coverage and use of evidence-based programming.
Hope Harbor representatives defended their proposal. Board President Kerry Stewart said the organization has worked with the Opioid Settlement Committee for six months and emphasized leadership changes — including the departure of Missy Desjardin, associated with Camp Hope and Hillsdale Community Thrift.
Stewart also characterized opposition as a “not in my backyard” response and said the population served by the organization is a legally protected class. She added Hope Harbor is seeking a new executive director and partnering with LifeWays and Michigan Works! Southeast.
“We’re just trying to help people that want to be sober, or who have gotten sober, stay that way,” Stewart said.
The nonprofit continues to search for a new location after a zoning request, proposed for a single-story commercial building adjacent to Hillsdale Community Thrift, was denied.
A lawsuit filed March 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan by Hope Harbor, BMAK Charity Thrifts and Desjardin alleges violations of the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hope Harbor denied $12K in monthly opioid settlement funds
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
