REQUEST FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Description (e.g., Contract Authorization for Information Services):
title
Authorization to award an Opioid Settlement Fund Recovery Support Program grant to the Hive of Hope
body
Date: 7/30/25
Department: Mental Health
Attending Meeting: Dr. Stephen Giordano and Adam Kirkman
Submitted By: Adam Kirkman
Title: Special Projects Coordinator
Phone: 518-447-2057
Purpose of Request: Budget Amendment Enter text.
CONTRACT TERMS/CONDITIONS:
Party Names and Addresses:
Nathan Writer, Hive of Hope, 161 Central Ave, Albany NY 12209
Term: (Start/end date or duration) 1 year
Amount/Raise Schedule/Fee: $50,000
BUDGET INFORMATION:
Is there a Fiscal Impact: Yes ☒ No ☐
Anticipated in Budget: Yes ☒ No ☐
Spreadsheet attached: Yes ☐ No ☒
Source of Funding - (Percentages)
Federal: Enter text. County: Enter text.
State: 100% Local: Enter text.
County Budget Accounts:
Revenue Account and Line: See attached budget amendment
Revenue Amount: $50,000
Appropriation Account and Line: See attached budget amendment
Appropriation Amount: $50,000
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mandated Program/Service: Yes ☐ No ☒
If Mandated, Cite Authority: Enter text.
Request for Bids / Proposals:
Competitive Bidding Exempt: Yes ☒ No ☐
# of Response(s): Enter text.
# of MWBE: Enter text.
# of Veteran Business: Enter text.
Bond Resolution No.: Enter text.
Apprenticeship Program Yes ☐ No ☒
Previous requests for Identical or Similar Action:
Resolution/Law Number and Date: Enter text.
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: (state briefly why legislative action is requested)
The Department of Mental Health respectfully requests permission to award $50,000 in Opioid Settlement Funding to the Hive of Hope in response to their application for funding through a non-competitive Recovery Support Program application released by ACDMH. The Hive will use these funds to support the continued staffing and operation of their Recovery Center.
The Hive of Hope has been in operation for over two years and operates out of its location at 161 Central Ave in Albany. As of June 2025, membership at the center exceeded 800 with an average of 30-40 new members joining each month. The Hive is a safe and welcoming place for individuals in recovery. Guests can work out on their weight equipment, play basketball in their courtyard, shoot pool, access a computer, watch a movie and attend a recovery meeting or training, all with no charge.
While the Hive receives some foundation support and has agreements with some local treatment providers that host meetings at the location, they are always in need of revenue. Based on their current projections, the Hive will run out of money in the summer of 2026. These funds will help sustain the Hive for at least an additional 6 months.