The Basics
Located about 15 miles west of the state capitol Salem, in Dallas, Oregon, the River of Life House is a Christian faith-based sober living home that provides shelter and structure for male criminal justice clients who are in recovery. Their name is taken from Revelations 22:1, in which John saw a vision of the “river of the water of life.” The River of Life House uses this allegory to describe their mission, which is to help clients shed their dark pasts and embrace new beginnings.
Accommodations and Amenities
The River of Life House accommodates six men, including a house manager, who was once a client. Residents are paired in double-occupancy rooms that include twin beds, a dresser and personal storage space. The house includes a living room furnished with comfortable couches, a dining room with a round wooden table and chairs, and a spacious fully equipped kitchen. Local food donations are supplied. Additionally, residents pitch in an extra $100 per month to ensure that the kitchen is fully stocked with groceries and non-perishable food items. The house manager usually prepares a family-style dinner, so that clients break bread together every night. The house includes a barbeque grill, which is also used on a regular basis. Amenities include Cable TV and a weight room.
Rules and Regulations
The River of Life House exclusively accepts clients on probation or parole and in recovery from chemical dependency. Typical length of stay is six months. During their stay, clients are paired with mentors and church groups, who teach faith-based tools and life skills. Requirements for residents include attendance at daily Bible study, being present at a weekly church service and active participation at a local church. Clients must bring back proof that they attended the weekly church service. They must also attend weekly 12-step meetings, but the required quota varies per client’s schedule.
Residents live in a semi-sheltered environment, designed to protect them from outside temptation, however community outreach is encouraged. The men must obtain employment, attend an outpatient drug rehab or pursue their academic education. Clients participate in helping many community service organizations and individuals in need, including senior citizens who reside in the area. Other services provided at River of Life House include vocational guidance, resume writing assistance, and employment leads.
At the River of Life House meetings, clients read Our Daily Bread, a Christian publication, along with excerpts from the Bible. Presently, clients are studying the Book of John from the New Testament during Bible Study. The curfew is 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 pm on the weekends.
Extras
One available source of employment is participation in the local firewood cutting crew. Residents who need income to pay their rent and other fees cut wood in the nearby forests.
In Summary
At The River of Life House, criminal justice clients have an opportunity to really turn their lives around. This little sober living home is a gem for men seeking a Christian-oriented environment. For those who are looking for a family-style atmosphere with a religious ambiance, this is the right place.
River of Life House
628 SE Jefferson St
Dallas, OR 97338
River of Life House Cost: $300 (30 days, not including food). Reach River of Life House by phone at (503) 623-8186 or (503) 569-5443.
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Photo courtesy of M.O. Stevens (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (https://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped)
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