Serenity Inns: A Proven Lifesaving Facility Denied Critical State Funding

Milwaukee, WI – Amid an alarming rise in overdose deaths, Serenity Inns took decisive action to address the crisis. Despite being denied state funding during our first application for a new treatment center due to not having begun construction, we completed the project, opened our doors, and began saving lives. Yet, in the most recent round of funding awards by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Care and Treatment Services, we were denied again—this time after meeting and exceeding the RFP requirements.

What is particularly confusing is that Serenity Inns scored lower on the RFP than the agencies awarded, even though we had already completed construction and opened our doors. Meanwhile, some of the awarded agencies have not yet started construction and have toured our facility as a blueprint for their plans.

Despite overdose rates climbing for men in our community, Serenity Inns remains the only facility that applied for funding and accepts men without insurance, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial barriers. This decision is troubling, as we stepped out on faith to meet the urgent needs of our community, while others are still in the planning stages. By prioritizing plans over proven, operational facilities, this funding decision fails to address the immediate crisis.

We are calling on policymakers, the public, and media to examine whether the RFP process adequately values real-world outcomes and urgent community impact. Lives are at stake, and Wisconsin cannot afford to prioritize paperwork over people.

About Serenity Inns

Serenity Inns is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men recover from substance use disorders. We provide comprehensive treatment, peer support, and a pathway to sustainable recovery—serving men from all walks of life, including those without insurance.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.