HILLSDALE COUNTY — A request to allocate $145,800 in opioid settlement funds to support Hope Harbor for one year was denied June 23, following sharp public criticism and unanimous opposition from county commissioners.
The proposal, recommended by the county’s Opioid Settlement Committee, called for monthly payments of $12,150 to fund operations for the recovery-focused nonprofit, which is seeking to establish transitional housing at the former Camp Hope site.
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 monthly was designated for operating costs such as laundry, cleaning supplies, internet service, 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.
The measure, brought forward by Commissioners Mark Wiley and Brent Leininger, who both serve on the opioid committee, failed with all five commissioners voting against it.
Public comment ahead of the vote reflected significant concern about the proposal.
“I’m actually kind of confused on why this is even being considered,” resident Bruno Cortez said. “I’ve been hearing about this organization for a while now and none of it is good.”
Hillsdale City Councilman Matt Bentley also urged rejection, citing ongoing tensions between city leadership and the group.
“The city council agrees on very little…but there is one political issue that we face that there’s all but unanimity…and that is this issue, 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 proposal, including leadership qualifications, insurance coverage and use of evidence-based programming.
“There are all of these questions that are not contained here,” Wisniewski said.
Hope Harbor representatives defended their proposal. Board President Kerry Stewart said the group has worked with the opioid committee for six months and emphasized leadership changes, noting former figure Missy Desjardin is no longer involved.
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.
During the meeting, legal counsel also updated commissioners on ongoing litigation with the city of Hillsdale related to zoning, as the organization searches for a new location.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County Commissioners reject Hope Harbor funding request
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
