HHS unveils program to address homelessness and addiction, part of a set of new initiatives
February 2, 2026
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says his department will devote $100 million toward a pilot program addressing homelessness and substance abuse in eight cities. Monday’s announcement builds on an executive order President Donald Trump signed last week. Kennedy said the nation’s health department also will make faith-based organizations eligible for addiction-related grants and expand states’ ability to use federal health funding for substance abuse treatment in certain situations involving children. The initiatives come as the administration’s actions, including layoffs, have created uncertainty, fear and logistical challenges for mental health and substance abuse treatment providers around the country.