As someone who works to provide housing to homeless with addictions, I was very encouraged by the Herald’s April 2 story on District Attorney Todd Risberg.
He commented on the need for resources for those with drug and alcohol addictions, and those of us in the community familiar with how addiction and homelessness intersect see the same needs. Durango needs inpatient treatment as well as sober-living homes to help provide structure and support for those released from more intensive treatment.
Throughout the nation, sober-living homes serve people in their recovery from drug and alcohol problems. These homes provide residents with safe and supportive living as they establish long-term sobriety.
The residents work on rebuilding their lives while living in their community rather than waiting in jail where the process of reintegration remains impossible.
The sober-living home that I administer, Phoenix Fellowship, has regular home meetings that support daily sobriety. Sober-living homes help people survive out of jail where they have the chance to contribute. Programs such as ours save La Plata County money time, and manpower and other precious resources while serving the dual purpose of rehabilitation without the need for incarceration.
Gerry Geraghty
Durango
