New Houses on the Horizon

We are thrilled to announce that we capped off a successful 2020 with two significant gifts from anonymous local philanthropists, as well as a state grant. A gift of $100,000 was donated through the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and a gift of $20,000 was made directly to the organization. The grant was awarded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS), in partnership with the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR).

With these significant gifts, we opened our sixth recovery transition house in December, and will open two additional recovery houses in February, bringing the total number of REAL Houses to eight. The three new REAL Houses offer a structured residential environment for recovery from addictive lifestyles during a client’s transition from incarceration, substance use, or homelessness to independent living and a thriving life.

Like our other REAL Houses, individuals will be allowed to move in free of charge, in order to ensure finances are not a barrier to safe and stable housing. The re-entry house, opening on February 1, and new female house slated for opening on February 15, will have a similar set up to their 6 existing houses: a house manager who lives there full time and ensures all the rules of the program are being met. Further, Lifers living in the house will work closely with a Pathway Navigator, a hallmark of REAL LIFE. This will be coupled with additional groups, wraparound services, and staff. The REAL House funded by the DBHDS grant will be specifically for individuals being released from incarceration.

We are so grateful to our two anonymous donors, VARR, and DBHDS for this incredible opportunity to provide our Lifers with a home, setting them on their journey to success. The trust we have developed with our donors and supporters, as well as VARR and their Director Anthony Grimes and Mike Zohab with DBHDS is invaluable. Their dedication and partnership has enabled us to provide those in the most dire need with housing that otherwise would not be possible.