In mid-March 2026, the Convene team returned to Community First! Village to continue gathering community perspectives on substance use support, recovery, and access to services in Travis County. During the conversation, seven community members shared lived experiences and reflections on what supports are working, what barriers continue to exist, and what a more effective recovery system could look like.

A major theme throughout the discussion was that recovery and substance use support cannot be approached with a one-size-fits-all model. Participants emphasized that different individuals benefit from different types of support and that systems should offer multiple pathways to recovery rather than relying heavily on one approach. While some participants described recovery meetings as valuable resources, others noted that these models do not work for everyone and should not be treated as the only available option.

Participants highlighted the importance of peer support, accountability, and community connection in recovery. Several individuals described recovery as difficult to navigate alone and emphasized the role trusted peers and support networks play in helping people maintain stability. Community members also discussed the value of harm reduction approaches, including organizations that provide wound care, clean supplies, and safety resources.

At the same time, participants described significant barriers to accessing care and maintaining recovery in Travis County. One recurring concern was the high cost of recovery-related services, including sober living residences, which participants described as financially out of reach for many individuals. Community members noted that even after seeking treatment, the ongoing cost of sober housing and recovery support can create instability and increase the risk of returning to substance use.

Transportation and accessibility challenges also emerged throughout the discussion. Participants described difficulties navigating public transportation systems, particularly when trying to access services located across different parts of the county. Community members emphasized that transportation barriers can become even more difficult for individuals without cars, stable income, or reliable support systems.

Participants also discussed the complexity of navigating systems and finding accurate information about available resources. Several individuals shared that there is no clear or straightforward path to recovery support and that many people simply do not know where to begin when seeking help. Others emphasized that fear of stigma, concerns about privacy, and distrust of systems can discourage people from engaging with services.

The conversation explored the role policy and systems play in shaping recovery outcomes as well. Participants discussed concerns about overreliance on arrests and criminal justice responses rather than supportive interventions. Community members emphasized the importance of increased communication between agencies, more coordinated support systems, and approaches that focus on long-term stability rather than punishment alone.

Housing and long-term stability remained central themes throughout the discussion. Participants described the challenges many individuals face in balancing recovery with financial instability, homelessness, and mental health needs. Community members emphasized that successful recovery systems should focus not only on sobriety but also on helping people access stable housing, affordable services, coping skills, and meaningful support networks.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of visibility and outreach. Participants noted that many community members are unaware of available services, including pop-up clinics, harm reduction resources, and recovery programs. Community members emphasized that awareness, communication, and accessibility are critical for helping people successfully connect to care.

Overall, the conversation reinforced the importance of flexible, person-centered approaches to recovery that recognize the complexity of substance use, mental health, housing instability, and community support. Participants emphasized that successful systems should provide multiple pathways to recovery, reduce financial barriers, strengthen peer support, and increase access to practical resources that help people maintain long-term stability.

Key Takeaways

• Participants emphasized that recovery support should look different for different individuals and should not rely on one single pathway or program model.
• Recovery meetings, peer support, and harm reduction approaches were identified as valuable resources, while participants stressed the need for additional recovery options.
• The cost of sober living housing and recovery services was described as a significant barrier to long-term stability.
• Transportation challenges and fragmented systems continue to make accessing services difficult for many individuals.
• Participants highlighted the importance of community connection, accountability, and peer support in sustaining recovery.
• Community members emphasized the need for more affordable, accessible, and person-centered approaches to substance use support in Travis County.