A new, faith-based Christian ministry aims to open a rented, five-bedroom, two-bath men’s sober living home in Columbus by year’s end.
Its leaders also hope to open a similar residence for women two and a half years later.
They are currently working to find appropriate homes.
Brian Kendrick, a recovering addict who has been highly visible and active amid the local opioid fight since he came to town in 2018, recently made the announcement. He serves as president of the board of the nondenominational Transformational Living Ministries.
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The organization employs “a combination of 12-step recovery, behavior modification, and accountability to give our residents an opportunity to live a productive, substance-free lives,” according to its promotional and background material.
Kendrick has launched five sober living homes in Terre Haute, where he lived before coming to Columbus. Among the 40 residents at those homes, more than 12 have been clean for one year or more, according to Kendrick. Plus, those people have decided to become assistant managers or managers of other sober living houses — another tool that such homes employ to allow residents to understand and help each another.
The first home helping addicts transition from formal treatment back into the community will house eight men, each paying about $100 to $125 per week to stay, according to Kendrick. Board estimates show that operational costs will be about $3,000 per month, supported by a variety of donors.
But, for the launch and for a solid financial base, the ministry is currently raising $20,000, said Scott Hundley, board vice president.
“We want to have financial stability,” Hundley said.
He has been instrumental in Bartholomew County’s fight against addiction, serving for the past three years as chairman of the recovery programs team for the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress.
Like many of the other planned recovery-oriented homes in Columbus, this one will feature requirements for employment, substance abstinence, chores, curfew, continuing treatment, community service and more, according to organizers.
“The real way to measure the success of a recovery home is to look and see if they’re still sober and clean six months to a year later,” Kendrick said.
A statement about the community service element on the ministry website at transformationallivingministries.com straightforwardly summarizes the importance of residents serving: “Being of service in the community shows that we are much more than addicts and alcoholics. We are people in recovery. We are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and so much more.”
“Getting people into a position of service is what helps them stay clean,” Kendrick said, adding personally he has found that to be true.
Hundley pointed out that all the varied recovery homes are working together to help people break free from addiction, and are not in competition.
“And one faith-based program might be a better fit for one resident than another,” Hundley said, adding that all will fill a critical role.
He has seen the importance of that role from close-up. That includes the death of one person who last year who was in recovery but still was living with a drug user roommate. She phoned local addiction leaders for help for new living arrangements, but they struggled to find a place for her. Within days, she relapsed, overdosed and died.
“So this is very real,” Hundley said. “The availability of sober living (help) literally can save lives.”
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Who: Nondenominational Transformational Living Ministries, a Christian-based organization aiming to to bring education and awareness about the stigma that addiction carries while helping those in recovery.
Board members: Brian Kendrick, Scott Hundley, Jerone Wood, Josh Burnett, David Burnett, Jamie Evans, and Lynn Dole.
Current project: Launching a men’s sober living house by year’s end in Columbus for eight residents making the transition from formal addiction treatment to independent living.
Seeking: More monthly supporters to cover an estimated budget of $3,000 per month.
How to help: Donations can be made at the website at transformationallivingministries.com
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