Grant Allocation Across Mobile’s Seven Districts
After the City of Mobile received opioid settlement funds, it engaged The Helios Alliance to steward a transparent, community-rooted allocation. An open call brought in 33 applications from 40 organizations, requesting more than $7 million to expand help across Mobile.
To guide decisions, the City used Helios’ abatement framework—four practical pillars that span the continuum of care. Prevention (education, early risk reduction, stigma change) focuses on stopping harm before it starts. Treatment (clinical care and pathways into recovery) connects people to evidence-based services when they’re ready. Survival Programs (overdose response and stabilization supports) keep people alive and safe while they seek care. And Coordination & Communication (data, evaluation, outreach) makes the whole system work together—closing gaps, aligning partners, and keeping the public informed.
A seven-member Evaluation Team of Mobilians—chosen for lived experience, professional expertise, and community commitment—reviewed proposals in multiple rounds (redacted first, then full), applied a clear scoring rubric, and conducted site visits and interviews as needed before making recommendations.
From that process, the City Council approved 16 awards representing 18 organizations and a collaborative network of 60+ local partners. The portfolio reaches all seven Council Districts and activates every pillar—so people can find prevention and education, treatment and sustained recovery, overdose prevention and stabilization, and coordinated support that meets them with dignity.
