Santa Cruz Just Dropped the Mental Health Treatment Center We've Been Dreaming Of

When it comes to tackling addiction and homelessness, Santa Cruz is proving that radical care isn’t just a pipe dream. The city just secured a whopping $30 million state grant to build a game-changing 50-bed residential treatment facility that’s about to revolutionize how we support our most vulnerable community members.
Breaking Down Barriers
Imagine a world where people struggling with substance use disorders don’t have to navigate impossible wait times or sleep on the streets while desperately seeking help. That’s exactly what the new Coral Street Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center is set to deliver. Located at 125 Coral St., this non-medical facility will provide round-the-clock recovery support for adults, with a special focus on unsheltered individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.
More Than Just a Building
This isn’t just another government project – it’s a lifeline. Funded through Proposition 1’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, the center represents a massive investment in human dignity. Mayor Fred Keeley gets it: this is about addressing the root causes of homelessness and addiction with compassion and strategic thinking.
A Community-Driven Solution
By 2026, Santa Cruz will have a cutting-edge treatment center that doesn’t just warehouse people, but actively supports their journey to recovery. It’s a radical reimagining of how we approach mental health and substance use – proving that when communities invest in care, everyone wins.
AUTHOR: mp
SOURCE: Local News Matters