Project HOMES provides housing for people in Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) from opioid and stimulant use. With 16 substance-free residences across Texas, we work to create a supportive environment for people with a history of substance use. Our research includes both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of residents and a cost-benefit analysis to capture the societal impact of recovery housing.

We focus on promoting positive health outcomes, identifying programming priorities, and helping our residents make informed decisions throughout their unique journey to recovery.

To learn more about our research and home benefits, visit the Project Homes site.

Sexual Health in Recovery (SHIR) is an evidence-based intervention for individuals at risk for HIV and drug use during risky sexual encounters. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), SHIR focuses on increasing access to sexual health, substance use, and mental health treatment.

SHIR's Integrated Treatment Program (ITP) assesses health and shame related to sexual behaviors using a variety of tailored formats, including an intensive outpatient program, a supportive relapse-prevention outpatient program, and individual therapy and case management.

For more information, contact our team.

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), BHWET builds on the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP) and works to expand the recovery support peer specialists (RSPS) workforce in Texas.

RSPS assists individuals with substance use disorders using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) while living in recovery residences. RSPS also provides training and support for people interested in becoming peer specialists, including educational classes, internships, and financial assistance (e.g., fees, tuition, and training).

For more information, contact our team.

Factors that Influence Emerging Adults’ Access to and Retention in Recovery Housing: An Exploratory Study

Within the past year, an alarming number of emerging adults (ages 18-26) in the U.S. have met the criteria for a substance use disorder; many with a significant risk of death by overdose. Recovery housing is a promising source of support services for improving substance use health outcomes.

Dr. Kathryn Gallardo was competitively selected to be a JEAP Initiative trainee, receiving two years of mentoring and funding for a small pilot study to support an NIH grant application. This pilot study aims to advance knowledge of recovery support services by identifying influential factors in recovery housing access and retention in young adults.

For more information on JEAP Initiative pilot studies, visit their website.

“It’s an honor to have such an incredible opportunity to receive mentorship and support from leading experts in the field of addiction recovery science.”

- CoLab Faculty,
Dr. Kathryn Gallardo

Sheryl A. McCurdy, PhD, MA

Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Department: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Contact: [email protected]

Phone: (713) 500-9633

Link to Publications

Michael J. Wilkerson, PhD, MPH, MCHES

Associate Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Department: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Contact: [email protected]

Phone: (713) 500-9974

Link to publications

Kathryn R. Gallardo, PhD, LMSW

Assistant Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Department: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Phone: (713)500-9000

Contact: [email protected]

Link to publications

Serena Rodriguez, PhD, MA, MPH

Assistant Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas

Department: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Phone: (972) 546-2948

Contact: [email protected]

Link to publications