About 50 community members gathered on May 28 to celebrate Cardinal Housing Network, a new nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing for women in recovery in Douglas County. The organization offers educational programming, access to in-home and community-based recovery groups, and supplemental care coordination — creating a vital resource for women on their healing journey.

Founded and led by program director Hannah Bolton, Cardinal Housing Network is a tribute to her late brother, Sam, who lost his battle with substance use disorder in January 2021 at the age of 31. His legacy lives on through the organization, which is partially funded by the life insurance policy he left behind, along with contributions from the Douglas County behavioral health sales tax and additional financial support.

“His journey taught me the power of supportive housing and the importance of community belonging in the early stages of recovery,” Bolton writes in the agency’s brochure. “I love you, Sam. Always and forever.”

Cardinal Housing Network marked the opening of its first home, located at 1046 New Hampshire St., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The residence will provide housing for up to 10 single women, advancing goals outlined in A Place for Everyone, the community’s strategic plan to end chronic homelessness.

Bolton plans to expand Cardinal Housing Network with two additional group homes on Ohio Street later this year. These residences will serve women in recovery and their children, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to holistic care and long-term stability.

“This project demonstrates the progress our community and its partners are making to ensure that women in our community have equitable access to the recovery supports they need to survive and thrive,” said Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur.

For more information, visit Cardinal Housing Network or A Place for Everyone.