PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A New Port Richey nonprofit that supports veterans recovering from substance use disorder is expanding the number of people it serves.
Steps to Recovery, founded in 2006 by Marilyn Matyus, began with two homes and 12 beds.
The organization now offers 50 beds and plans to open a new facility in September, increasing its capacity to 80 beds.
“When I came to New Port Richey, I said, ‘Oh my God, there’s nothing here for homeless veterans,’” Matyus said.
According to Veteran-Addiction.org, more than 10% of veterans have a substance use disorder.
The website says that among veterans fighting substance abuse, more than 80% abuse alcohol, nearly 27% abuse illegal drugs and 7% abuse both.
Matyus said they’re trying to help their community.
“The people who make it are the people that get connected,” Matyus said. “So it’s important that we have a place for them to be connected.”
Richard Lovett, an Army veteran and member of the Florida National Guard, went through Steps to Recovery and now works there.
He has been sober for a year and a half and turned down help five times before deciding to enter recovery.
“I became homeless. I lost connection with family,” Lovett said. “I didn’t know how to reach out to anybody. So I avoided everyone.”
Matyus said the organization’s new facility will include rooms that serve as a second step for veterans in the program, offering more privacy as they continue their recovery.
Lovett said he hopes his experience encourages other veterans to seek help and stay connected.
“There is help,” Lovett said. “The answer is staying connected, working the program. The journey is not over.”
A recent University of South Florida study about opioid settlement funding found there were 204 adults in Pasco County in 2025 with substance use disorder.
The study also cited a lack of funding for “veterans programs” and “specialty treatment courts for individuals with mental health and substance use.” You can read the full study below.
Matt Lackritz
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