Illinois commits $2 million to Second Story Ranch recovery housing project

Illinois included $2 million for The Second Story Foundation’s 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Home and Jobs Program in the FY2027 budget, giving the Crete project a major step toward its capital goal. The funding is intended to expand recovery housing, job training and long-term support for men leaving treatment in a state still facing thousands of opioid-related overdoses.

Why it matters: - Illinois’ $2 million investment gives The Second Story Foundation a major funding boost for a recovery housing project that combines shelter, work and support in one setting. - The money is meant to help men leaving treatment move into stable housing and longer-term recovery, which can reduce the risk of relapse and housing instability. - The project comes as Illinois continues to face a major addiction crisis, with nearly 17,000 opioid-related overdoses in 2024 and 1,838 deaths.

What happened: - The Second Story Foundation said June 25, 2026, that $2,000,000 for the 2nd Story Ranch Recovery Home and Jobs Program is included in Illinois’ FY2027 budget. - The project is planned for a 68-acre ranch property in Crete, Illinois. - The foundation said the funding is a strong start toward its remaining capital goal. - Jim O'Connor, CADC, founder and executive director of The Second Story Foundation, said the investment recognizes recovery housing as part of the continuum of care.

The details: - The 2nd Story Ranch is designed to support people transitioning from treatment into lasting recovery, workforce participation and independent living. - The ranch model combines housing, employment, peer support and daily structure. - Planned services include stable housing, peer support, employment opportunities, vocational training and a long-term recovery community. - The foundation said the lodge and residences will house up to 14 men. - The site is also expected to include space for counseling, education and community events. - The ranch will center on residential recovery, service, equine care and skill-based training. - The Second Story Foundation currently operates residential recovery homes in Chicago’s south suburbs.

Between the lines: - The funding suggests Illinois lawmakers are treating recovery housing as part of broader public-health and workforce policy, not just addiction treatment. - The project’s mix of housing and jobs reflects a growing belief that long-term recovery often depends on stable routines, income and community. - The foundation’s emphasis on men in early recovery points to a targeted model rather than a broad shelter program. - The state investment also helps validate the project as it seeks to close out its remaining capital needs.

What's next: - The Second Story Foundation said work can move forward once the state releases and the organization receives the funds. - The funding will support development of recovery housing and related infrastructure at the Crete ranch. - The foundation said the award moves the project significantly closer to opening a program intended to help residents rebuild their lives. - The foundation thanked Sen. Elgie Sims, Sen. Patrick Joyce, Sen. Michael Hastings, Rep. Nick Smith, Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Senate President Don Harmon, along with other legislators, for supporting the project.

The bottom line: - Illinois is backing a recovery model that ties housing, employment and peer support together, and the Second Story Ranch now has the state funding needed to take a major step toward opening.