19-03-2025
Wichita Falls allocates $150K in opioid funds to four nonprofits
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Four local nonprofits are getting a significant boost in funding.
Wichita Falls City Councilors approved the distribution of $150,000 of Opioid Settlement Funds received by the city to release.
Action Against Opioids will receive $45,000. Founder Sandra Vergara said they plan to use the funds to conduct a community assessment and compile a list of the community's needs.
'We do not know what the real problem is. We hear from one side, from the other, but we really are going to be able to know and to hear those ideas, how we are supposed to do it,' Vergara said.
East of the Falls Community Development $4,400.
'We're hoping that from here on out, we can collaborate and partner with the city on other ideas and plans to make sure that our city can become drug-free,' member Valerie Rhodes said.
Helen Farabee Centers $85,600.
'Innovative things, because I think it's going to take some different approaches in combating, especially this fentanyl, problem that we have,' Brad Fisk said.
And, Homeless Lives Matter $15,000. A boost founder Lisa Roffman said is huge since the nonprofit is still in its infancy.
'We are really reaching a lot of people—25 to 30 a day, which accounts to be about 700 a month. We're doing our part not only in that building, but we're also doing the part on the street and making our way around Wichita Falls [for] awareness for the opiates,' Roffman said.
All four nonprofits expressed gratitude to the council for their funds.
Councilors Jeff Browning, Michael Battaglino, and Robert Brooks were the subcommittees who heard from applicants and finalized funding recommendations.
The four nonprofits will receive their funding within the next 30 days.
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