Overview/ Introduction:
The Rhode Island Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence (RICAODD) operates a Recovery Housing Program (R-House), commonly referred to as “sober housing.”  The program provides a safe, sober, supportive, and affordable living environment for individuals recovering from substance abuse (alcohol and/or drugs).  Residents come from all walks of life and backgrounds.  Whether you are seeking a new living environment, just completed a residential treatment facility, left a correctional facility, or are homeless, the program is designed to offer a safe, substance-free living environment while you continue your journey into recovery.  Individuals help themselves by helping each other to abstain from substances “one day at a time.”  Democratically run and overseen with assistance from our Housing Coordinator and case managers, the program fosters personal responsibility, restores self-esteem and self-confidence, and eliminates isolation by creating a family atmosphere – all with the ultimate goal of eventually transitioning to independent living. 

Residents pay weekly rent, which covers utilities, furnishings, basic household and cleaning supplies.  Residents are only responsible for their own clothing, medication, toiletries and dietary needs.  The program even has a “food pantry” accessible to all houses for basic food and cooking supplies.

All houses have alcohol and drug testing equipment, which is administered on a frequent and random basis.

In addition to residents being active in their own recovery through attendance in 12-step recovery programs, residents attend a weekly house meeting to review the previous week. Weekly meetings are set up to  review or amend house rules, hold interviews for potential roommates and, in some instances, welcome in persons/programs from the community to assist with life skills, health, and education. All of this is done with respect and confidentiality.
 
Case management, support and crisis assistance from the Council is available 24-7 to individuals and the house as a whole.  While no Council staff lives at the houses, they do make frequent visits to the houses to ensure the maintenance of the safe and sober living environment.

All houses are located in safe residential neighborhoods within walking distance of public transportation.  Parking is available but may be limited in accordance with property owner, neighborhood or local parking ordinances.  Residents who own vehicles are required to be licensed, registered, inspected and insured.  If restricted, choice of parking is based upon length of residency.  Residents are responsible for any costs incurred due to parking.

Houses:

Acceptance House - Cranston, RI

Alex's Place - Pawtucket, RI

Courage House - Cranston, RI

Hope House I - Providence, RI

Hope House II - Providence, RI

Miracle House - Cranston, RI

New Foundation - Cranston, RI

New Beginnings I - Cranston, RI

New Beginnings II - Cranston, RI

Requirements:

Residents must meet the following requirements in order to be a candidate for admission into an R-house:

• At least be 30 days substance free
• If applicable, must have completed a residential treatment program, properly transitioned from a correctional facility (some houses are equipped and approved for correctional home confinement at the resident’s expense).
• Must be at least 18 years old.  While children are welcome and encouraged to visit, they cannot live at the houses.
• Must be active in your own personal recovery through attendance in 12-step recovery meetings.
• If applicable, must adhere to and follow the recommendations of any outpatient treatment program with which you are involved.  Some houses are designed for residents who are in opioid maintenance programs.
• Must be employed or have income source which allows you to pay your weekly rent.  Those not working must be involved in a healthy activity outside of the house as not to foster isolation/idle time.  
• Must be interviewed by the Council Housing Coordinator and house residents prior to admission (when prior living arrangements allow for attendance at a house meeting with current residents).
• Must complete a written, confidential, residency application.  Assistance is available for the completion of application, if needed.
• Must review and agree, in writing, to adhere to all house rules and regulations.  Assistance is available for this process if needed.
• Residents are required to pay a non-refundable entrance fee upon entrance into the house.
• Residents must submit to and pass a urine screen upon entrance into the house.
• Residents on medication must supply a list of their medications to the Housing Coordinator for approval prior to admission/entrance into a house. Residents are responsible for following the doctors’ instructions and the cost of their medication.

Revolving Loan Fund:

RICAODD operates a State and Federally funded program called the “Revolving Loan Program.”  This program allows for an interest-free loan up to $4,000 to open a house to be overseen by the Council.  The interest-free loan is to be paid back over a period of no longer than two years.

The loan is intended to be used for the following items:

• First month’s rent
• Security deposit
• Furnishings (i.e. beds, seating arrangement, etc)
• Durable household items (i.e. dishes, small appliances, etc.)
• Minor renovations
• Purchase of other essentials needed to support a healthy living environment.

The Council will assist with the above effort and then as a requirement will oversee and help to operate the house for the duration of the loan and thereafter.

Opportunities for Home/Property Owners:

As a property owner in the RI community, you have the opportunity to join us in our mission by leasing your home for use as a Recovery House.

• RICAODD oversees the care of your property at no additional charge to you.
• Over time, landlords have seen the value of their property increase. Under our guidance and supervision, residents foster and improve upon the quality of their own lives and therefore take pride in their surroundings. Current landlords are always willing to speak with potential participants.

Why RICAODD Recovery Houses Instead of Sober Houses?

• The main difference between “Sober” Housing and “Recovery” Housing is that Recovery Housing is designed to assist the “whole” person in all aspects of life (i.e., growth, life skills, guidance etc.). Sober Housing just provides a substance free living environment.
• No charge case management, 24x7 crisis assistance for individual residents and the house as a whole.
• Located in safe residential areas within walking distance of public transportation.
• Alcohol and drug testing at all houses.
• Safe, supportive, healthy and sober lifestyle.
• Food pantry.
• The advocacy of RICAODD, serving Rhode Island since 1967, at your disposal.
• “Cutting edge” philosophy and programs (i.e. opioid maintenance living).
• Access to the hundred of treatment providers in our Directory.
• All houses meet safety requirements and have smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors, and emergency exit apparatus.

Call or e-mail us to learn even more or to inquire about living in or leasing your property today!

Contact Information:

For Prospective Residents: 

Housing Coordinator: 

E-mail:  housingcoordinator@ricaodd.org
Phone: 401-359-1226

On-Line Application:

Click here to download the application.  Please print the application and fill it out.  It can be faxed to 401-725-0768 or mailed to:
500 Prospect Street, Suite 306,
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Otherwise, please e-mail info@ricaodd.org or call the office at 401-725-0410 and we will forward an application to you. 

For Prospective Landlords:

RICAODD Office:

E-mail:  info@ricaodd.org
Phone:  401-725-0410