In support of Horizon center

On behalf of the Board of Directors at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, a progressive church community in the North Central neighborhood, we write to express strong support for the proposed Horizon Recovery Center.

As a faith community committed to the health, dignity and restoration of all our neighbors, we are dismayed by the denigration of those seeking treatment. We recognize the critical, urgent need for expanded substance use services locally.

Closing the county’s previous sobering center created a significant gap in care, leaving vulnerable individuals in crisis without a safe place for stabilization and a pathway into ongoing treatment.

The proposed Horizon facility — with 69 licensed beds for sobering, withdrawal management and residential treatment — represents a vital step toward ensuring community members receive the professional medical care they desperately need.

While aware of ongoing community discussions regarding the facility’s placement, our board’s consensus is to remain neutral regarding the final location, whether at the originally proposed 101 N. El Camino Real site or a viable alternative.

Our primary focus remains rooted in the urgent necessity of the services themselves. Our priority must be ensuring this treatment center comes to fruition without unnecessary delay or the loss of crucial funding.

We appreciate your efforts to facilitate transparent discussions. We respectfully urge you to continue championing the Horizon Recovery Center, ensuring compassion and the pressing need for care guide our community’s decisions.

Frank G. Garritano, MD

San Mateo

Board moderator, on behalf of CCSM.