HOUSE OPENS DOORS TO ADDICTION RECOVERY

Men looking to kick their addictions now have a safe place to call
home during their recovery.

Discovery House, a support recovery home on Wade Avenue, officially
opened its doors yesterday as its first five tenants began moving in.

The Penticton Recovery Resource Society, which started working on the
men's-only home 18 months ago, said the house helps to fill the gap in
services between detoxification and recovery.

"It's for people who have no or little resources to address
addictions," said Father Pat Monette, president of the Penticton
Recovery Resource Society, adding that Penticton's house was based on
Kelowna's three recovery homes and is the first of its type in the
South Okanagan.

Prior to moving into the house, most of the five new tenants were
homeless and involved in the illegal drug culture.

"We got five guys off of the street who would be actively involved in
the drug community," he said.

Men are only eligible to move into the house after they undergo detox
and they must be referred by a medical or health professional. Monette
said there was such a strong need for the house in the community that
there is already a waiting list for the five-bed home which serves the
whole South Okanagan. Until now, those in the recovery stages of
addiction were either referred to other homes in Vancouver or Kelowna
or just stayed on the streets, said Jeanni Jones, vice-president of
the Penticton Recovery Resource Society.

Opening a program in Penticton allows the men to remain in the
community -- and possibly near family or friends -- and provides a
stable, structured environment which improves their chances of
completing the recovery program, she said.

Those accepted to live in Penticton's house must sign a 90-day
commitment and follow a strict, zero-tolerance policy. The men are
under 24-hour supervision by paid staff and anyone who breaks the
house rules, that include no drugs, alcohol, violence or illegal
activity of any kind is asked to leave immediately.

"It's not a flop house or a shelter," said Monette. "If you break the
rules then you're out."

Any man who leaves or is evicted from the house must wait 30 days
before he can be referred again. The man would then be placed at the
bottom of the waiting list.

The men living in the house are encouraged to work with a counsellor
or clinician to come up with goals that fit within the 90-day timeline.

During their stay, the residents attend counselling -- outside the
home -- and access services around the community, such as Alcoholics
or Narcotics Anonymous. They also meet with mentors and peer
counsellors.

The fully furnished home, which costs the society $80,000 to operate
every year, provides the tenants with health services including a
nurse and exercise equipment, food -- menus are prepared by a
dietician -- and other living essentials.

"We're trying to provide recovery for mind, body and soul," said
Monette.

Most of the services at the house are either paid through donations or
done by volunteers.

The home's rent is covered by Penticton's Catholic churches and about
half of its annual expenses are covered through social services. The
remaining expense must be covered by community donations. The society
has already received funds from the Penticton and Friends Celebrity
Golf Classic, the Fest-of-Ale Society, Rotary Club and other groups.

The society, however, is still in need of donations to help cover the
costs of taxes, utilities, insurance and general home operations.