Founded in 2001 in Kansas City, Missouri, by Bobbi Jo Reed, a recovering addict, Healing House provides faith-based, sober living for men and women in early recovery. The organization also has housing available for families with children. The mission of Healing House is to provide those in early recovery a safe and structured environment, so that they can rebuild their lives.
Accommodations and Amenities
Healing House accommodates 150 men and women and 25 children in nine buildings throughout northeast Kansas City. The facilities include the Pink House for women, a quaint pink Victorian, which was the first facility established at Healing House. Other female-only facilities include the Purple House, which is now a pale yellow and and the Sunshine house, a yellow bungalow surrounded by a black iron fence. Agape I and Agape III are brick Victorians which lodge men and Ruth House is for women with more than six months clean and sober. Cornerstone, a large brick home holds 40 men, while the Spruce and Benton Apartments are for families and their little ones.
Accommodations vary per house, but all facilities are fully furnished. Food is provided, and residents are responsible for their own meal preparation, which is conducted in fully equipped kitchens. Every six to eight weeks, clients rotate and take turns preparing meals for the households. Some of the houses allow pets, with prior approval. Amenities include cable TV, laundry rooms and daycare facilities, for those with children.
Rules and Regulations
Prior to admittance, potential clients undergo a comprehensive assessment to ensure that Healing House is the right fit. All men and women must have successfully completed detox, if necessary. Benzodiazepines and other narcotics are not allowed on the premises. Minimum length of stay at Healing House is three months, but most clients stay between six and nine months. Upon arrival, new residents must pass a drug and alcohol screening. Random drug and alcohol testing is also conducted.
Requirements include obtaining a minimum of 20 weekly hours of employment, getting and working with a sponsor, reading the first 164 pages of the Big Book and attending Sunday night house meetings. Gender-specific faith-based recovery meetings are also required Tuesday nights at 6 pm. Residents are not allowed to make plans following this meeting. They must participate in fellowship at their residence.
At Healing House, a zero tolerance policy for drinking and drug use is enforced. Residents who relapse are evicted from the premises. Clients must also find jobs within three weeks of arrival. If unemployed, they must perform 15 hours of in-house community service. Other requirements include attending two weekly 12-step or Celebrate Recovery meetings, and one spiritual activity including going to Church or participating in Bible study.
Extras
Other services provided by Healing House include case management, individual counseling, vocational support, financial counseling, skill building and GED assistance. During the first three months, the cost is $0, however, a $100 deposit is required. After three months, the 30-day cost is $460. The deposit is refundable, upon a successful discharge. As a non-profit organization, donations, including food, furniture and clothing, are accepted.
In Summary
For financially challenged clients, especially those with children, this is an excellent resource. Men and women in Kansas City who seek safe and structured sober living that really delves into the steps, will find Healing House is the perfect haven.
Healing House Location
Healing House, Inc.
4420 Saint John Ave
Kansas City, MO 64123
Healing House Cost
$0-$460 (30 days, not including a $100 deposit). Reach Healing House by phone at (816) 920-7181 or by email at contactus@healinghousekc.org. Find Healing House at Facebook, Google+ and YouTube
Do you have a complaint or review of Healing House to add? Use the comments area below to add your Healing House review.