Myrover-Reese Recovery Homes, a nonprofit that has helped people on their recovery journey for decades, is among the recipients.
Executive Director Ivan Pride said the funding is critical for their work. "Recovering from substance use disorder is not as easy as the overall public might think," Pride said.
A Fayetteville native, he said the fight against addiction is deeply personal. "Unfortunately, with some of my family members, it's it's become the norm."
He also pushed back against the notion that addiction is a simple choice. "I've noticed over the years is that people seem to believe that it's a simple choice that they are making, that they're choosing to use opioids or any substance ... it's not a simple choice and is not as easy."
Myrover-Reese, a recovery home off Interstate 95, provides residential services and recovery support, including case management and connecting individuals to benefits, health care and mental health services.
"We provide residential services, and we provide recovery support in the form of case management, helping them find access to their benefits, access to health care services, access to mental health services if they need it," Pride said.
According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, an estimated eight people a day were suspected to have died from a drug overdose in 2025.
In 2024, Cumberland County lost 134 people to overdose roughly one death every two to three days.
With 24 staff members and 18 residents, Pride said the funding will help the organization continue meeting a growing need.
"It just helps support our staff and our peer support specialist. It supports our ability to transport them to necessary appointments and it helps support, maintain our facility as far as the utilities," he said.
Opioid abuse has long impacted families in the city of Fayetteville and in Cumberland County, with overdose rates still higher than the state average.
Greg Berry, project coordinator for the Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team (C-FORT), has his own experience with addiction.
"I started, you know, using drugs at a young age, you know, around maybe like 11 years old. It was very progressive," Berry said.
While fentanyl continues to dominate headlines, Berry said xylazine is also fueling the crisis.
"They've developed wounds as a result of Zylaine being in the drug supply and that those wounds are leading to very serious health complications," Berry said.
C-FORT data shows opioid overdose emergency visits dropped 60 percent in May, from 70 last year to 28 this year.
But fentanyl-related deaths in April remained unchanged compared to the same month last year.
Berry said the work is far from over, and peer support remains one of the most powerful tools in recovery.
"They become a model of hope. They become a model for other individuals to see that, like, you know, that this person did it, then, you know, maybe I can do it too."
C-FORT Recovery Resource Center
Connect with a Peer Support Specialist Peer Support Specialists (PSS) are individuals who have lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorder and provide support to others who can benefit from their experiences.
A certified peer support specialist is an integral part of the Recovery Center Team. The PSS is available to assist you in connecting with local treatment resources, developing new skills, finding housing, transportation, and employment resources. Call 910-321-6487 to connect with a Peer Support Specialist.
Join a Recovery Group
Self-Management and Recovery Training Recovery (SMART) is an evidence-informed recovery method. SMART is a transformative approach that helps individuals transition from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and a willingness to change. Free SMART Recovery Groups are offered at the Center on
- Tuesday: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
- Thursday: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
For other SMART Recovery Groups in Cumberland County, please click here.
Get Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications, when administered promptly. Naloxone is provided free of charge at the recovery center. Organizations that are seeking a supply of naloxone for their clients/patients should contact the Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team (C-FORT)
For additional naloxone locations, please click here.
Connect with a Treatment Provider
Local treatment providers will be available to meet with individuals about enrolling in treatment or continuing success in their current recovery journey. Click the calendar for a schedule of office hours.
Connect with NC Harm Reduction
North Carolina Harm Reduction staff support overdose prevention, post-overdose response, syringe service programs and linkage to care.
Check Out a Class
Community partners will offer a variety of public classes aimed at supporting individuals in recovery. These classes will include naloxone training, wound care education, and wellness programs. Click the calendar or drop in for the schedule of current classes.
Get Checked
Community partners will provide confidential STI testing, Hepatitis linkage to treatment, and preventative vaccines for flu, COVID, and MPOX. Click the calendar for the current schedule of testing and vaccine events.