House of Extra Measures Review
Named for a famous passage in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, House of Extra Measures has four gender-specific sober living homes in Houston, Texas. Since 1995, HEM has served as a vital stepping stone for women in recovery. They also opened three men’s facilities in 2010.
Accommodations and Amenities
The women’s house on Hoskins Drive is situated on a tree-lined street in a quiet residential neighborhood, furnished tastefully and comfortably with all the touches of home. The two story structure is 5000 square feet and has eight bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a laundry room, kitchen, formal dining area, living room, yoga and meditation room and a separate office with a communal computer. Bedrooms are double occupancy and furnished with twin beds, nightstands and shared dressers. In addition, all meals are included.
The 23rd St. house for men is a six bedroom, three and half bathroom home with a music room, kitchen, and separate dining room and laundry facilities. The bedrooms are spacious and airy, furnished with twin beds, night stands and a chest of drawers. All bedrooms are double occupancy. The front porch is large and welcoming, furnished with comfortable chairs. There is also a backyard with plenty of room for barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
The Hawthorne house for men is located in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Montrose, famously known as the “heart of Houston.” The two story home is located on a corner lot and has eight bedrooms, four full bathrooms, living room, communal kitchen and a laundry room. There are four single rooms and three double occupancy rooms, all furnished with new twin beds, nightstands, a shared dresser and desk.
Lastly, the men’s house on Melbourne St. is a six bed facility with four bedrooms—two single and two double rooms—two full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and separate dining area. Considered a three-quarter house, the amenities and rules and similar to that of a sober living with the following exceptions: men 18 and over are welcome, there is no house manager on-site, food is not included and there are no evening wrap-up meetings, in house groups or recovery coaching sessions. Rather than attending daily meetings, residents are required attend four to five per week.
All four facilities have outside surveillance cameras, cable TV, internet service, computer workstations, individualized lockers and pantry bins for personal items, keyless entry and on-site parking. Coffee, laundry soap and cleaning supplies are provided. With the exception of the women’s house (where food is included), both the 23rd St. and Hawthorne houses for men provide the evening meal Sunday through Thursday.
Rules and Regulations
Residents are expected to commit to a three to six month stay. Clients are required to attend morning meditation groups as well as an end of the day wind-down meeting Sunday through Thursday.
For the first three months, curfew is at 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. After 90 days, weekday curfew is 11 pm and midnight on the weekends. Residents are required to attend 90 meetings in 90 days and work the 12-steps with a sponsor. At the 30 day mark, clients must either be employed, attending an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), enrolled in school or participating in approved volunteer work. In addition, clients must have a sponsor in a 12-step program. Drug testing is weekly and any clients who test positive for drug or alcohol use are immediately evicted. Physical or verbal abuse and stealing are also grounds for dismissal.
Visitors are permitted in the common areas daily from 12 to 6 pm. All residents are responsible for cleaning their personal area in addition to weekly chores around the house.
Extras
HEM will refer clients to community businesses for massage therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, eating disorder therapy and referrals to mental health professionals for a continuum of care.
In Summary
HEM adheres to the Big Book motto, “half measures availed us nothing,” by offering a fully structured environment. While a typical half-way house offers support for those fresh out of treatment, HEM goes the extra mile to support sobriety by providing evening meals, secure and spacious housing, full-time, on-site staff and eight house meetings per week.
House of Extra Measures Location
House of Extra Measures
2329 Hoskins Dr.
Houston, TX 77080
House of Extra Measures Cost
$1250 (men’s house, 30 days); $1600 (women’s house, 30 days); $550 (three-quarters house, 30 days). Reach House of Extra Measures by phone at (832) 656-7296. Find House of Extra Measures on their site
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