UCDD’s two transitional houses are nearing capacity, prompting the agency to look at ways to expand the program next year.
UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said the agency began operating the two houses, one for males and one for females, just over a year ago. Farley said the houses are for those who are recovering after treatment and looking for work.
“They’ve not been able to afford to live on their own, but this gives them the opportunity on a very limited basis to be able to live independently and start their employment once again.” Farley said.
Farley said the goal is for each person to get a job and save enough money to rent their own place or move to a permanent location. Some clients, Farley said, have no place else to go.
“They don’t have any family, they don’t have any resources,” Farley said. “Many times they may be living in a vehicle or sharing a space on somebody’s couch. This allows them to have some permanency, a place they can call their own as they begin working once again.”
Farley said each house accommodates eight clients. The men’s house is full and there are two openings at the women’s house. Because of this, Farley said, the UCDD will be once again searching for grants to help fund the two houses.
Farley said the UCDD will also look to see if there needs to be more transitional homes in the service area.
“Our goal will be to look at the communities that don’t have an option for individuals coming out of recovery,” Farley said. “And see if we want to fill that gap in the future. I do believe, in time, we will probably apply for and hopefully grow the number of homes that we serve.”
