Journey House is proposing a Portsmouth, NH Recovery House for people in recovery from SUD. Residents would be those who want what we have to offer and are willing to put in substantial effort to achieve recovery. A NARR Level 2 recovery house is sub-acute and non-medical. A little bit about us:
● High Quality
○ One of only 6 Maine organizations certified by the Maine Association of Recovery Residences. Would seek certification immediately from NHCORR, in line with Journey House's commitment to uphold higher ethical and safety standards than those established by federal and state law.
● Low-cost
○ $200 move-in fee. $500/mo for months 1-3, $450/mo for months 4-6, then $400/mo.
○ Over half of our residents pay nothing when moving in, awarded scholarships.
● Low-barrier
○ Not necessary: insurance, clean record, money, good credit, etc.
○ Journey House cannot house individuals requiring inpatient or other higher level of care.
● Peer-run
○ Run by individuals in recovery. Eric and Jesse have a combined 6 years of recovery.
○ Jesse is certified in IPS, RCA, NAMI, and SMART Recovery, and is the recipient of awards for his contributions to the field of peer support in Maine. Eric is a peer navigator extremely involved in Sanford, Maine’s advocacy and 12 step recovery communities.
● Evidence-based
○ Recovery-oriented housing is an Evidence Based Practice (EBP), as is destigmatized language, shown to increase help-seeking behavior and improve clinical outcomes.
○ Journey House proudly affirms and supports multiple pathways to recovery. Prescribed medication is allowed, stored safely, and administered using Directly Observed Therapy.
○ Residents are connected with such EBPs as primary care, counseling, CBT, DBT, etc.
● Recovery-oriented
○ Expectations include mandatory urinalyses, pro-social events, weekly house meetings, household chores, and adherence to treatment plans, probation requirements, etc.
● Community-focused
○ Requirement to interact positively and productively with all members of community.
○ Monthly requirement of 5 hours of community service per resident.
● Collaborative
○ Seeking strong relationships with medical, law enforcement, social services, employment and education providers, etc. to better integrate residents back into society.
● Highly cost-effective
○ Cost savings for municipality, state agencies, corrections, and healthcare, etc. Reduced incidence of alcohol- and drug-related crime and acute and chronic health conditions.
What Journey House needs from Portsmouth providers and other stakeholders:
● Spreading the word and reducing stigma associated with recovery and recovery-oriented housing
● Referrals of both potential residents and potential peer leaders (in-house manager’s rent is free)
● Partnerships with local social service agencies, private businesses, philanthropists, other allies:
○ Providing case management or assisting with in-house therapeutic or other groups
○ Acupuncture, nutrition classes, resume writing workshops, yoga, bible study, etc.
○ Committing to drive residents or help with a weekly community dinner, etc.
● Donations, especially in the beginning, are crucial (financial, property, furniture, your services)
Please call or text Jesse Harvey at 774-262-5452 or email him at jesse@journeyhousemaine.com
Thank you,
Jesse Harvey, CIPSS
Founder & Director of Mission
Journey House Sober Living
PO Box 8065, Portland, ME 04104