Halfway houses have been around for a long time and have been used to help struggling people of many stripes get back on their feet. If you are entering one of these facilities you need to know the differences between them, what to bring, and what rules should be followed. With the help of Delray Beach Halfway Houses (https://delraybeachhalfwayhouses.com), we will answer these important questions.
What Is a Halfway House?
These are transitional living areas that help people re-enter society. These places are usually meant for people who are addicted to drugs or have mental health issues that need the support and supervision a halfway house gives. Mostly these are nonprofit organizations funded by the state, but there are privately owned ones as well. Federal, state, and local funding can differ, so the size of these facilities and what they offer can be different depending on the location.
Typically referred to as recovery residences or sober living homes, some halfway houses are specifically designed for people with a history of alcohol and drug abuse. These homes require residents to participate in some type of recovery program and maintain regular employment.
Other halfway houses are for those who have just been released from prison, and are known as residential reentry centers. These halfway houses are specifically created to reduce the likelihood of a former prisoner going back to jail. These facilities often provide education classes, skills training, and anger management therapy. Not all former prisoners live in these centers, as it is highly dependent on a range of factors. Local resources have tremendous impact on who gets in. The prisoner’s incarceration history and the nature of their offenses are usually the biggest factors determining whether a prisoner will be placed in a halfway house.
Finally, transitional housing is designed for people who are currently experiencing homelessness. Like other halfway houses, they forbid the use of alcohol and other drugs. The purpose of this program is to help participants develop skills and find employment.
While halfway houses do have multiple rules, programs, requirements and curfews, they offer much greater liberty than a prison. In addition, the majority of people staying at a halfway house will be required to leave during the day to go to work.
What Should I Bring to a Halfway House?
It can vary from state to state, with most of these areas providing the basics. The only thing often required for a halfway house are toiletries, clothes, pillows, blankets, and other linens. Other things may or may not be permitted depending on the halfway house in question.
Outside of the basics, a person staying at a halfway house is going to need all documentation to obtain work, like a social security card and driver’s license. Other things needed are health insurance information along with any prescription medications.
It is also important to understand the rules of the halfway house. First and foremost you must stay sober, with randomized drug testing there to enforce this. Everyone must contribute to chores, violence or fighting is prohibited, curfew must be followed, and other recovery programs must be attended too.
In most halfway houses, visitation only happens in a specific part of the building. Hours can vary, but are typically from 9 am to 5 pm during the week, with longer hours during the weekends. It also not unusual for visitors of the opposite sex of the residents to be forbidden on the premises.
How Much Does a Halfway House Cost?
It can vary quite a bit depending on the type, with the cheapest as low as a $100 per month and more expensive options going as high as $2,000 per month. Other programs require residents to donate a set percentage of their income to the halfway house each month.
Some halfway homes accept insurance, scholarships, and grants. Other ways people pay for a halfway house outside of cash include loans and credit cards. If none of these are viable, get in contact with a local halfway house to see if they have some sort of payment plan.
If you are already part of a recovery program. you might want to ask your fellow group members for their recommendations. Another way is to simply do a quick internet search to see what is in your area and compare prices and reviews.
When going to a halfway house, you should have all of your toiletries, clothing, linens, personal paperwork, and medication on hand. Whether you are just leaving a prison, trying to obtain sobriety, or just need a place to stay, these facilities can help you out.