Copyright M Live Michigan
KALAMAZOO, MI — Living options designed for men in recovery are expanding in Kalamazoo. With the anticipated completion of The Villas at Engleman this November, Reach Sober Living, Inc. is about to bring four additional units online for those in recovery. The 575 square-feet units, being built at 1109 Engleman Ave., will house men, age 21 through 35, who have been sober for at least one year. The Villas will be located near the existing Reach House at 1113 Engleman Ave. RELATED: New sober housing coming to Kalamazoo, removing barriers for those in recovery While past evictions, employment gaps, insufficient income and criminal records often present barriers to attaining traditional housing, The Villas will evaluate each applicant’s situation in the context of recovery and self-improvement. “Finding and sustaining affordable housing is a struggle for many people, exponentially so for those in active recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues,” said Chris Pompey, Reach Sober Living CEO. “The Villas at Engleman (will) help provide men who are actively working their steps, building recovery capital and becoming better versions of themselves with a safe and understanding place to live as they reintegrate into society.” Residents will enjoy on-site parking and below-market-rate rent, which includes trash, parking, cable, internet and water services. Tenants will be responsible for some utilities, ensuring both affordability and independence, a release states. Each of the units also comes fully equipped with a complete appliance package, including a refrigerator, stove, microwave, washer and dryer. Adhering to Reach Sober Living’s mission and vision, both the Reach House and The Villas are part of a continuum of care that offers supportive services to residents. All Reach programs offer support along the recovery journey, including job assistance and access to resources to help residents maintain employment, increase financial literacy and benefit from peer support. The driving force behind opening residential homes like The Villas is to create a safe, stable and affordable independent living option for men in long-term recovery to transition from structured sober living into full independence, Pompey said. To apply for residence at The Villas, applicants must be male, clean and sober for at least one year, have a sponsor, be employed and demonstrate qualifying income. A zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use on the property will be strictly enforced. Monthly home visits will be conducted by staff to ensure compliance and resident safety, and visitors and overnight guests must also be preapproved. The nonprofit will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 1109 Engleman Ave. Community members are invited to tour the units, meet staff and learn more about how Reach Sober Living supports men in long-term recovery. Funding for The Villas was provided by Stryker Johnston Foundation and The Bridge Church. Other project partners include Vision Homes and Abonmarche. For more information about The Villas, the open house or Reach Sober Living, Inc., visit reachsoberliving.org. To contact Pompey, email info@reachsoberliving.org or call 269-808-7881. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page
