Haven of Rest Ministries Men’s and Women’s Life Recovery Programs will receive $300,000 from the state’s fiscal year 2027 state budget to support its work helping people overcome homelessness and substance abuse addiction in the Battle Creek area thanks to a legislative spending request made by state Rep. Steve Frisbie.

The one-time funding will help the ministry continue providing rehabilitative programs that equip participants with the tools, support, and stability they need to rebuild their lives. The investment comes as the organization faces the loss of several federal funding sources.

Frisbie welcomed Amanda Collins, who is the program coordinator for the Women’s Life Recovery Program at the ministry, to join him in advocating for the funds during an official hearing before the House Appropriations Committee in March.

“For 70 years, the Haven has been meeting people where they are in the hardest moments of their lives and find helping them find stability and hope again,” Collins said during her testimony. “Alongside our emergency shelter, we also operate intensive 12-month recovery programs designed for some of the most vulnerable men and women in our community. These programs aren’t just about helping someone stop using drugs or alcohol, they’re about helping people rebuild their lives and work on the deeper emotional wounds and life experience that cause them to use in the first place.”

Combined, the programs serve between 80 and a 100 men and women annually and cost just over $1,000,000 to operate. Collins, who completed the program herself years ago, said the length and intensity of these programs make them very effective by creating a foundation that lasts when participants return to the community. The programs are staffed by licensed therapists, trained recovery coaches who walk alongside participants every step of the way.

“The women’s program is especially unique because mothers can bring their children with them while they’re in recovery,” Collins said. “That means that women don’t have to choose between getting the help they need and being with their children.”

Before serving in the Legislature, Frisbie spent decades as a paramedic, where he saw firsthand the devastating toll addiction and homelessness can take on individuals, families, and communities.

“I’ve responded to countless emergencies involving addiction, mental health crises, and homelessness,” said Frisbie, of Pennfield. “Those experiences taught me that access to recovery programs that help recovering addicts regain their independence are critical. Haven of Rest has a proven track record of doing exactly that, and that’s why I was eager to ensure they got the state support they need to continue serving our community.

“The testimonies from those who have completed this program make it clear that it changes lives,” Frisbie said. “When someone is willing to put in the work to overcome addiction and get back on their feet, our community should be ready to help them succeed. This funding will allow Haven of Rest to continue offering that opportunity to people who need it most.”

Frisbie said supporting organizations with demonstrated results is an investment in the long-term health and safety of the entire community.

“Every person who finds recovery, secures housing, and returns to a productive, healthy life strengthens our community,” Frisbie said. “I’m proud we were able to secure this so Haven of Rest can continue serving Battle Creek and giving people a second chance.”

The funding is included in the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which received bipartisan support and was signed into law in July. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.