Options for Survivors with Addictions:
It is not uncommon for survivors to have a history of substance abuse. Some survivors turn to substances as a way of coping with the abuse, while others may have it forced upon them as part of the abuse. The added element of addiction can heighten a survivor’s risk of death or injury while the survivor is contemplating leaving. Some of the tactics the abuser may use include:
- Financial manipulation;
- Controling drug use;
- Forcing someone into prostitution;
- Mental manipulation (for example “no one else will want you because you’re an addict”);
- If children are involved the abuser may threaten to call Child Protective Services.
Housing Options for Survivors Who Are Also Struggling with Addictions:
The following are a number of transitional housing programs in DC that have staff who are trained to support women struggling with addiction. Please note that these programs usually require that the woman have a desire to stop using, and some degree of clean time.
GOOD HOPE HOUSE
Address: 1715 V Street SE, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: 202.678.4084 or 301.490.9906
Fax: 202.678.4080
Web: www.bethanyinc.org
Population: Women with children.
Services: Transitional housing for 2 years (7 2-bedroom units); referrals to mental health programs; case management; and assistance with housing and employment.
Admission Process: Advocate should call on behalf of client, although a woman can call on her own behalf. Once all necessary documentation is faxed or emailed to the Program Director, the woman must meet with the Program Director and Executive Director for an interview. The Board of Directors makes the final admission decision. The process can take a week if all documentation is in order.
Eligibility Requirements: Must have 3 months of documented clean time; must show proof of homelessness either through a referral from the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, a referral from an emergency shelter or an eviction notice. Must be willing to comply with program rules, including: abiding by curfew, doing household chores, conducting weekly housing and job searches, and attending 16 NA/AA meetings a month. If a participant has a job, the amount of required NA/AA meetings can be adjusted.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
HANNA HOUSE, INC.
Address: 612 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.289.4840
Fax: 202.289.5425
Web: www.hannahhouse.org
Population Served: Single women; women with children between the ages of 3 and 13.
Services: “Hers” is a 6-month transitional program for single women (depending on a woman’s particular situation the program time can be extended). “Theirs” is a one year program for women reuniting with their children. Services for both programs include: case management; recovery support; housing referrals; parenting support; and employment preparation.
Admission Process: Referrals are accepted from officers of the court, counselors, social workers and/or case managers. Once an intake application is complete, and the applicant is deemed appropriate, an interview is scheduled.
Eligibility Requirements: Must have 30 days documented clean time; must be willing to comply with program rules, including: meeting with case managers, attending groups and abiding by the first 30-day “black out period” whereby participants must follow a strict curfew policy, attend daily groups and participate in community service.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Notes: Participants must save 30% of their income and pay a small housing fee. The 30-day “black out period” is not flexible and women with jobs cannot be accommodated.
HOUSE OF RUTH – NEW BEGINNINGS
Address: 306 S Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.667.7001 ext. 204
Fax: 202.529.0682
Web: www.houseofruth.org
Population Served: Single women.
Services: Transitional housing for 2 years; case management services.
Admission Process: Women must be assessed by House of Ruth’s Madison Emergency Shelter intake staff prior to receiving services. All referrals accepted from House of Ruth’s Madison Emergency Shelter.
Eligibility Requirements: Must be in recovery.
Wheelchair Accessible: No.
Notes: Dually diagnosed women accepted.
HOUSE OF RUTH – THREE SISTERS
Address: 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.667.7001 ext. 218
Fax: 202.561.2163
Web: www.houseofruth.org
Population Served: Women with children. Male children must be 17 years old or under.
Services: Confidential transitional housing for 2 years; counseling; and support groups. Admission Process: Referrals accepted from outpatient programs and case managers and should be directed to the Program Coordinator.
Eligibility Requirements: Must be in recovery from substance abuse and a DV survivor; must have 30 days clean time and willing abide by program rules, including mandatory groups and curfew.
Wheelchair Accessible: No.
MICAH HOUSE
Address: 4 200 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202.342.9175
Fax: 202.342.9179
Web: www.micahhouse.org
Population Served: Single women.
Services: Transitional housing for typically 2 years (congregate living/dorm style set-up); case management; individual and group counseling; and social service referrals.
Admission Process: Applicants should call or walk-in to begin the application process. References and interview are required.
Eligibility Requirements: Must be homeless and recovering from drugs and alcohol; must have 3 months clean time; must work or have an income; and participate in AA/NA.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Notes: Staff is bi-lingual. Highly functioning dually diagnosed applicants considered.
SAMARITAN INNS
Lazarus House
Address: 2523 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.667.8831
Tabatha House
Address: 5620 Colorado Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202.483.3076
Elisha House
Address: 1316 Euclid Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.832.1662
Population Served: Single women; single men.
Services: Single room occupancy units (SROs) for individuals in recovery. Participants transition through a 6 month disciplined program where they receive education and counseling, attend daily NA/AA meetings and learn job retention and life skills. Participants who complete the initial 6 month program can move on to the independent living program where they continue to receive case management support.
Admission Process: Applicants should call the office for detailed intake information.
Eligibility Requirements: Must have 6 months of documented clean time, be employed and demonstrate the ability to pay $50 per week in rent.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Notes: Faith-based organization.
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT – HARVEST HOUSE
Address: 1307 1st Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.328.7644 ext.1601
Web: www.some.org/p_tra_post.html
Population: Single women.
Services: Transitional housing for 4 months; relapse prevention; employment training; and job search assistance.
Admission Process: Applicants must be referred by a case manager from an agency and/or drug program. Women must provide: proof of 30 days clean-time or that they are coming out of a drug program; verification of homelessness; valid identification such as a social security card and/or birth certificate; a police clearance; TB test; and discharge summary from the referring program including an AXIS I diagnosis from a social worker, RN, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Eligibility Requirements: Must be in recovery and willing to participate in AA/NA and comply with other program requirements.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence struggling with addiction, there is assistance specifically for you:
RAMONA’S WAY
Address: 1328 Southern Avenue, SE Suite 311 (Medical Services Building)
Greater Southeast Hospital, Domestic Violence Intake Center
Washington, DC 20032
Phone: 202.561.3000/202.257.6790
Website: www.ramonasway.org
Population Served: Chemically dependent women who are survivors of emotional and physical abuse and their children.
Services: Ramona’s Way provides individual counseling, case management, education, advocacy, support groups, alternative therapies, information and referrals.
