HOPE HOUSE FOR MEN-

Formerly known as FAR HOUSE (Freedom And Recovery)

A TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS MALE INMATES

The Service League established a program to assist men in the difficult transition from custody to the community. This supportive residence is an option for men who have served their jail sentences and have actively participated in educational, social, and recovery programs while in custody.

HOPE HOUSE focuses on issues of chemical dependency, personal responsibility, and permanent housing. Some residents participate in groups stressing anger management, domestic violence prevention, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Life skills, such as use of a check book, credit, and budgeting will also be taught. Communication skills and relapse prevention are stressed through meetings and close linkages with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Others are working or in training programs. All are expected to pay rent within a specified period of time. Transition to permanent housing is a goal which will be attained through search and assistance from the Case Manager and a required savings from income while a resident.

An individual plan and contract will be the basis of the program, beginning while the person is still in custody. Written goals will be set with the help of a case manager, and bi-weekly meetings will be scheduled with the case manager while in residence. Participation in an alumni support group will assist in the transition from Hope House to independent living and ease tracking of the individual after leaving.

IMPACT The Hope House Men's facility will provide needed shelter and supportive services for 15 - 20 ex-offenders per year with no more than four persons in residence at any given time. .

Close collaboration with Fair Oaks Community Center, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, and a host of other substance abuse and social services programs assure access to additional services and programs and insure non-duplication of effort. Spiritual counseling, Religious study, and Religious services in the various faiths are available to all who wish to participate. After care focus groups on resume writing and interviewing techniques, connecting with the community and its resources, and personal wellness for Hope House program participants will be provided or coordinated by the Service League, as will employment placement assistance and assistance with locating and securing permanent housing.

BENEFIT Our encouragement of responsible behavior through case management and structured living seems effective in rebuilding self-respect in those who avail themselves of this opportunity. The Community benefits by the addition of productive members, by a reduction in criminal activity, and by a huge savings in cost, because Hope House participant’s are not as likely to return to jail or prison.