Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending - Construction - The Population Served: The five Wabanaki communities of Maine, which includes the Aroostook Band of Micmac, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy at Pleasant Point, Passamaquoddy at Indian Township, and Penobscot Nation will be served by this grant. The American Indian (AI) population in Maine is estimated at just over 13,000 people with most, but not all, living in or near one of the 5 reservations spread over three rural counties (Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington), an area of 8,300 square miles. The Project: WPHW seeks funding to support renovations for the Center for Wabanaki Healing and Recovery, the first indigenous treatment and recovery center in Northern New England located in Millinocket, Maine. A consortium of Wabanaki people and technical experts were convened through a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) opportunity to plan and implement the vision of building and operating a system of recovery and healing for Wabanaki people. The first phase of the project is beginning implementation through recovery housing, intensive outpatient programming, and community support. While the project has many federal, state, and local partners, over $1,000,000 is still needed to complete the infrastructure by supporting renovations in three locations the Healing Home; the Healing Lodge; and The Gathering Place. This includes creating culturally centered sacred spaces, incorporating traditional medicines, and utilizing layouts conducive to healing that will leave the least carbon footprint possible. Healing Lodge: Acquired in 2020, the Healing Lodge will be the facility that houses intensive outpatient treatment services and provides space for peer led recovery groups. WPHW is requesting funding in support of renovations for this facility. As a former restaurant that will be turning into a Healing Lodge which will provide outpatient services, the interior of the restaurant requires significant renovations to ensure appropriate meeting spaces and the privacy of participants. Other renovations include a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the creation of small meeting rooms and private areas. Healing Home: Acquired in 2021, the Healing Home requires minor renovations on the second floor and moderate renovations on the first floor equaling to incorporate appropriate cultural adaptations to the space and to be a fully functional recovery home. With the first floor most recently being a chiropractor’s office, it is not yet set up as a living area for residents. The layout will need to be restructured along with work on kitchen, bathroom, and common areas to ensure a comfortable residence. The Gathering Place: With roughly 47 acres of land and a multi-story building, The Gathering Place will present the opportunity for individuals to connect with culture, tradition, language, ceremony, and the earth. This space also needs some significant updates to provide a base for cultural healing opportunities, food sovereignty programs, outdoor learning programs, and community events. Funding is requested to assist with renovations of this space which will largely contribute to exterior updates including siding, new windows, and new doors. Once complete, this center will be a community hub of learning, healing, and recovery. The Results: With the assistance of a HRSA Health Facilities Construction and Equipment grant, WPHW will be able to complete most of the needed renovations, enabling the facilities to open and provide services in safe locations steeped in tradition.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).