The Basics
Founded in 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota by Jon Bartelt, New Spirit Homes provides highly affordable, safe and structured sober living for men in early recovery. While Bartelt is not in recovery, his housing director, Rick Anderson will celebrate two years in October. Bartelt, along with Anderson, run a tight yet highly supportive ship and many residents maintain a high sobriety success rate, as well as become productive members of society.
Accommodations and Amenities
New Spirit Homes has four houses, and accommodates 75 clients. The houses are uniquely named, after close friends of Bartelt’s. The Merlin House is named after Bartlelt’s father, Pastor Merlin, who often said, “No stinkin’ thinkin’” to those in early recovery from addiction, because he believed that destructive thoughts lead to harmful actions. The Morris House is a unique yellow Victorian with shamrock green trim, and the Carpenter House is a white split-level house. Clients are accommodated in private or double occupancy rooms, which include beds, dressers and nightstands.
Amenities include cleaning supplies, cable TV, Wi-Fi, a laundry room and all utilities, including air conditioning. The Morris House includes off-street parking, for an additional $50 monthly cost. All of the houses are within close proximity to a plethora of 12-step meetings. The Morris House features feline companionship, courtesy of Goose the cat. House managers live on the premises, and Anderson is on hand to offer ample support. Smoking is permitted outside in designated areas only.
Rules and Regulations
Prior to arrival, clients must have been clean and sober for 30 days, and usually 60 days is the cut off for acceptance, as New Spirit Homes caters to those in early recovery. Some clients have attended an inpatient drug rehab, and some men participate in outpatient treatment. Additionally, they must complete and submit an online application for consideration. Anderson, who interviews potential clients focuses on current medications, as well as criminal backgrounds. DUI’s are okay, but applicants who have more serious criminal records, including armed robbery, murder and child molestation are not allowed on the premises, for the safety of the household. Benzodiazepines, and narcotics are not allowed on the premises. Those who enter the house under the influence, are immediately evicted from the premises.
During the first week, the curfew is 10 pm seven days a week, which allows new residents a chance to catch their bearings, and become acclimated to their peers, and to their new surroundings. After that time, the curfew is midnight seven days a week. Requirements include attending a minimum of three weekly recovery support group meetings, which includes the mandatory in-house meeting and performing household chores.
Recovery supports groups include 12-step meetings, a Zen Program which incorporates Buddhism into the 12 steps, Buddhist Recovery or a local Human Relations program. By the end of 30 days, all residents must be working, volunteering and/or going to school for a minimum of 20 weekly hours. Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted, and residents who relapse are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Extras
Other services besides housing include local job placement assistance, and career building.
New Spirit Homes is in the process of becoming a member of Minnesota Association of Sober Houses (MASH), an organization that demands high standards from its affiliates.
In Summary
With Bartelt and Anderson at the helm, clients are sure to be in good hands at New Spirit Homes where they are able to rebuild their lives, and work on their recovery, be it through a 12-step or alternative protocol. Former clients rave about New Spirit Homes, and say that they have learned accountability, have rebuilt their lives, and have stayed clean and sober.
New Spirit Homes: Mailing address
6480 Wayzata Blvd #202
Golden Valley, MN 55426
New Spirit Homes Cost: $550 (30 days). Reach New Spirit Homes by phone at (612) 558-1120, (612) 991-1534 or by email. Find New Spirit Homes at Facebook
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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.
