County approves $175,000 to fund Fellowship Missions housing and transportation projects

Kosciusko County’s opioid settlement fund panel approved a $175,000 grant from restricted funds to support Fellowship Missions’ recovery housing and transportation initiatives. A presenter for Fellowship Missions outlined three funding needs: a women’s Next Step Home, renovation of a second men’s Next Step Home and transportation services that logged more than 14,000 miles last year.

The presenter said the combined residential capacity would be about 12 residents (roughly six per home) and that stays are generally targeted to about two years as participants work toward independence. “What Fellowship Missions is presenting to you today is a request for funding for 3 different segments of what we're doing in our recovery space,” the presenter told the panel. Panel members discussed partial funding options and donor support before a committee member moved to grant $175,000 from restricted funds; the motion passed by voice vote.

Board members emphasized ongoing case management and mentoring tied to the homes and noted the shelter’s role as a step toward stability. The chair and other members said transportation and reentry supports remained priorities when balancing awards against a limited restricted fund balance.