Cleveland House Review
Alan Rubin founded Cleveland House in 2003 in Hollywood Beach, Florida when he had 16 years sober. Cleveland House, which is in close proximity to the beach, offers men a 12-step-based sober living environment.
Accommodations and Amenities
From the outside, Cleveland House looks like a cheap motel except there is an enormous heated swimming pool in the courtyard. The house accommodates 35 men in apartment-style units. Each apartment houses four men and includes a kitchen, a bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom includes two sets of bunk beds, dressers, a couch and a television. Each resident is provided with a complimentary security locker and combination lock for the length of their stay to store valuables. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and computer access, cable TV (including the Playboy channel), Friday night cook outs, Sunday brunches and of course, the pool. There are ten parking spots available on the premises for those who have cars. Bicycles are provided for residents during their stay.
Men are responsible for purchasing their own groceries and preparing meals for themselves. The exception is Friday nights, when there is a poolside barbecue for residents and their guests— although bringing an item to share, potluck-style is encouraged. Coffee is available in the common area 24 hours a day.
Rules and Regulations
Staying at Cleveland House requires a seven-month commitment. Prior to being admitted, residents have typically completed a residential treatment program, but it is not required. Cleveland House practices a zero tolerance policy in regards to alcohol and drug use. Residents caught under the influence are immediately removed from the premises. Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted as measure of compliance.
Daily attendance at morning 12-step meetings, which are held by the pool (and occasionally in the pool), is required. Cleveland House holds a total of ten in-house AA meetings each week. Residents must work with sponsors, complete their steps and become active in the local fellowship. The guys are also encouraged to get jobs, go to school and/or volunteer in the community. The 30-day cost for a bed is $800, not including a $400 security deposit. Besides Rubin, there is an in-house manager, also with long-term sobriety, who lives on-site.
Extras
Clients are provided with outside medical and mental health referrals, when necessary and provided with transportation to appointments.
Cleveland House offers complimentary gym memberships with access to yoga and personal trainers to residents, as well as free local and long distance phone calls within the United States and Canada.
Atlantic Ocean fishing expeditions are included and encouraged as a time for the guys to bond and make fun sober memories together.
In Summary
While the Cleveland House website could probably win a razzy award for “Worst Web Design” don’t be deterred. Once you get past the busy site, which features an insane number of links, multiple animated GIFs and old photos of residents clutching lobsters, you will see that this is a more than just a place to stay, but a genuine recovery community. Former clients rave that Rubin is a caring guy, who is serious about recovery and helps residents utilize the 12-steps into their lives. It would be a great choice for any man who wants an oceanside recovery experience without the fancy price tag.
Cleveland House Location
Cleveland House
320 Cleveland St
Hollywood Beach, FL 33019
Cleveland House Cost
$800 (30 days). Reach Cleveland House by phone at 1-(888) 88-SOBER. Find Cleveland House on YouTube and Google+
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