MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL) received $360,000 during the first round of grant awards from the West Virginia First Foundation to expand the transitional housing program.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director Jonathan Dower said there are many people in regional jails and state prisons that need a place to go to after when they’re released. The daily regional jail cost to taxpayers for each inmate is $74 per day, and for state prisons, the number jumps to $92.
“That roughly extrapolates to about $30,000 per person, per year,” Dower said. “The estimates right now are that there are more than 200 individuals waiting for a bed.”
Dower said there are now 85 beds statewide, and he wants to increase that inventory by about 50 percent due to the demand. In 2024 the organization made more than 1,300 referrals for housing services.
“I hope to add at least 40 beds in 2025,” Dower said. “I stay at greater than 80 percent occupancy at all times, and right now the demand outweighs the supply.”
Dower said if they invest the $360,000 in a facility for 12 people, they can save the state slightly more than the value of the grant in one year.
“We would look at about a $365,000 reduction in costs for 12 individuals for 12 people to reside in one of our recovery homes for a year.”
The group is looking at options and has not determined if they will purchase an existing property and improve it or build a new facility. Dower said spending the money locally will be a priority once an action plan is approved.
Some of the things that dictate the location are the proximity to public transportation, employment opportunities, and educational resources.
“Ideally, close to a probation or parole office if that is necessary, as well as mutual aid support meetings,” Dower said. “So, you’re really trying to navigate multiple sectors coming together to identify the right location and the right-sized house.”
Consistent with recent reports from the state DoHS, Dower said he has seen a drop in overdoses through his work with the Monongalia County Health Department Quick Response Team. But, he said, demand at the user level remains strong, and without continued programs, overdose deaths would likely increase.
“The demand is still out there; we’re still seeing substance use and people falling through the cracks,” Dower said. “To me, if we can prevent substance abuse to begin with or catch it early when it’s easier to treat, I think that is a strategic advantage for West Virginians.”