US health department unveils $700 million plan for mental health, addiction and homelessness

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday announced more than $700 million in new funding opportunities aimed at tackling mental illness, addiction and homelessness.

The investment is a core component of President Trump’s "Great American Recovery Initiative" and aligns with the executive order focused on ending crime and disorder on American streets.

According to Health  Secretary Kennedy, the initiative aims to transition individuals from living on the streets into structured treatment and recovery programs, with the ultimate goal of strengthening families and enhancing community safety.

The new health package includes a new $96 million grant program.

Each community will be eligible for up to $3 million a year over four years.

The program is intended to help local governments build coordinated care systems for people experiencing homelessness who have substance use disorders, serious mental illness, or both.

HHS chief said the effort will bring together local governments, healthcare and housing providers, law enforcement agencies and courts.

He said the investments would help move people "from the streets into treatment and recovery," strengthen families, save lives and make communities safer.

The department said the funding is aligned with President Donald Trump's "Great American Recovery Initiative" and an executive order focused on ending crime and disorder on U.S. streets.