The Basics
Founded in 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina by Ricky Underwood, New Life House provides faith-based sober living for men and women in recovery. Underwood, who has been clean and sober for over 17 years, opened New Life House so that men and women could learn to become productive members of society, and find a place where they could find spirituality in their lives. New Life House accommodates criminal justice and financially challenged clients.
Accommodations and Amenities
New Life House has a 21-bed capacity, and includes three male homes and one house for women. Each house has a unique style, ranging from a quaint white Colonial with green trimming to a white Cape Cod style home. The women’s house is a dark colored bungalow with blue trim, a pristine lawn and colorful flowers. Upon arrival, clients are paired in rooms, to prevent isolation. Some single rooms are available, but reserved for those with seniority.
Residents are responsible for their own groceries, and meals are prepared in fully equipped kitchens. Clients that qualify for food stamps are provided with assistance in applying for benefits. Amenities include Cable TV, landline phone, free linens and laundry facilities. The houses are located in close proximity to public transportation.
Rules and Regulations
Clients fill out an application and undergo a phone or in-person interview to determine if New Life House is an appropriate fit. Additionally, they must have undergone detox prior to arrival. Requirements include acquiring a sponsor, attending a minimum of three weekly 12-step meetings, being at the house meeting, performance of household chores, and acquiring a feasible means of employment. Clients seeking a more faith-based approach are allowed to attend church services, Sunday School, Bible Study or Celebrate Recovery, all counting towards the weekly meeting requirement.
As a peer run facility, each house has a president, a meeting coordinator and a chore coordinator. Fines are given to those that break house rules. Random drug and alcohol testing is provided, and clients who relapse are evicted immediately and asked to go to detox. Additionally, a $50 fine is mandated. Those residents are allowed to return on a case-by-case basis.
Extras
Other services besides housing include job search assistance. New Life House is a non-profit organization, and offers opportunities for volunteers or unpaid interns.
In Summary
These small houses are warm and inviting, offering the company of others in recovery. For clients seeking a faith-based approach that incorporates the 12 steps, New Life House is a viable and highly affordable option.
New Life House
6322 Old Coach Road
Charlotte, NC 28215
New Life House Cost: $448-$548 (30 days). Reach New Life House by phone at (704) 293-8524 or by email at underick@aol.com.
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Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
