Our transitional supportive housing program is an integral part of the New Beginnings Addiction Recovery program at our two shelters. Once the men and women graduate from the 13-month residential part, they have the opportunity to spend up to one more year in the transitional house with other graduates and a house manager. They use the skills and experiences they have learned in the program to begin their journey toward independent living.
The practice paying their own bills, doing their own laundry, buying their own groceries, cooking their own meals as well as all the other responsibilities that come with being self-sufficient. It provides the time and accountability they need to become proficient at these things.
We have the chance to add one more house to our inventory so every graduate will have this opportunity. It is a two-bedroom, one bath unit which will make space for 4 more beds.
We purchased the house and are in the process of remodeling it. This is where our community comes in. Once the word was out about this wonderful opportunity, volunteers and supporters started stepping up. A philanthropy class at MSU gave a grant for the appliances. Leadership WF spent a Saturday cleaning up the inside, gutting the bathroom and prepping it for paint. And in April, a group from “Mavericks Day of Service” will paint the inside.
We have had calls from tradesmen and businesses who have shown interest in helping with the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. The men in our program will also provide some muscle getting their house ready. We hope to open for business in early summer.
This makes me so proud to be a Wichitan. Our community always rises to the occasion. I’m especially excited because more men will have the opportunity to have victory over addiction and hope for a better life.
