Houston Sober Living

HOW DOES THE GRADUATE HOUSE OPERATE?

We operate as a close-knit family.  Members of our family share responsibilities AND encouragement to each other in a supportive environment.  Working as a family group gives our members a feeling of belonging and helps foster self-discipline and minimal structure.

​

 

IS THE GRADUATE HOUSE A RECOVERY HOME OR A HALFWAY HOUSE?

No, We don't provide therapy, treatment, or any formal counseling. We are a Recovery Residence that provides a home atmosphere. We aim to maintain a supportive family environment by providing a loving home through sharing and self-discipline.

​

​

DOES THE GRADUATE HOUSE PROVIDE MEALS?

Members of our home are provided pantry and refrigerator space. They are responsible for their own groceries, shopping, and meal preparation.

​

​

HOW MUCH IS THE HOUSE, AND WHAT DOES THAT INCLUDE?

We are $810. a month and includes utilities and high-speed internet.

​

​

DOES THE HOUSE PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?

No, but the 85 Antoine is directly across the street

​

​

DOES THE HOUSE PROVIDE LAUNDRY SERVICES?

No, but we have a  laundry room in our home.

​

​

DOES THE HOUSE PROVIDE MONEY MANAGEMENT?

No, members are required to maintain their own finances, pay their own bills, and do their own budgeting.

​

 

DOES THE HOUSE ASSIST WITH THE SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION?

No, members are required to maintain their medications and prescriptions personally. 

​

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POLICIES?

​

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Criminal history is investigated before potential residents move in, ensuring a safe environment is maintained.  The home does not accept convicted sex offenders, arsonists, or violent felons.  Every resident will transition through a 30-day probationary period.  This allows the new resident to observe the culture of recovery and seriousness of other residents, cultivate relationships with other residents, and provides enough time for the Directors, House Manager, and peer group to make a sound determination of the new resident’s character. 

During the probationary period, the new resident is prohibited from inviting guests outside one’s immediate family to the house.  The probationary period provides enough time for the new resident to decide if the peer group, house manager, and/or recovery residence can adequately assist them in their personal recovery and desired life goals. 

Consequently, if there are any incidents or any infractions of the rules, displays of destructive attitudes or behaviors, unhealthy patterns of hygiene or cleanliness, or any situation that the house officers, residents, or Diorector feel is detrimental to the group, house, or community, the house manager or resident majority can terminate the new resident or request a refusal of subsequent payments.

​

Prior to move-in, the resident will agree to the financial calculation and make an initial payment into the Graduate House account.  The initial payment is the “acceptance” of the policies, code of conduct, protocols, and agreements of continued residency. Residents will NOT be admitted before an initial payment is received.  Residents must be current on all service payments before the succeeding month “no pay no stay.” Residents are prohibited from paying more than 60 days in advance.  Any deviations in payment amount/schedule must be communicated to, and granted by, the house manager, two house officers, or a director.

​

SUBSTANCE RELAPSE:  Our policy is zero-tolerance towards drug and alcohol use on or off the premises and will result in the resident’s immediate dismissal from the house.  Over-the-counter stimulates, Natural herbs, and synthetics can not be abused.  Residents may be asked to submit a drug and or alcohol test anytime. Refusal to submit a test is treated as a positive test result.  Resident service payments and deposits are forfeited upon a positive test result.  Drug tests are administered by a standard ten to twelve-panel urine analysis or breathalyzer.  

 

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR:  If a resident is voted out of the house by a 2/3rd majority of the residents or asked to leave the home by a director or house manager with cause, It is considered a behavioral relapse. The resident will get multiple verbal warnings. Their behavior will be addressed in front of the group during a meeting.  Residents will be clearly made aware that their destructive behavior will not be tolerated and that the group can vote them out of the house if the behavior is not corrected. If a resident is voted out of the house for a behavioral relapse, they must leave within 24 hours or at the discretion of a Director, House Manager, or two House officers. They will forfeit any service payments.
​
VIOLENCE:  No form of aggressive physical contact or intentional damage to facility property will be tolerated.  The house manager has the constable’s number on hand to resolve a detrimental situation if it ever occurs.  Additionally, any intimidations made towards another resident or threats to damage facility property can result in immediate dismissal. No weapons or knives of any sort are permitted to be in a resident’s possession during residency.

​

CLEANLINESS:  Residents are expected to keep their bedrooms neat, tabletops clear, laundry stowed appropriately, and bed made up each morning. Maintaining impeccable personal hygiene and consistently washing laundry and bed linens is expected of every resident. Residents must honor their obligations and responsibilities in the house and are expected to leave areas in better conditions than before they arrived.  

​

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR:  All residents are required to be good neighbors. Residents must be considerate, friendly, and responsive to neighbors' concerns and needs. Considerations include but are not limited to, appropriate noise levels, non-swearing, proper parking, non-loitering, appropriate clothing, and non-littering shall all be minded acutely. This is important because while communities agree that recovery residences provide an important and necessary service, many surveys have indicated the expressed concerns of homeowners regarding recovery residences being established and operated in their neighborhoods.

​

ADVANCING ONE’S RECOVERY AND INDEPENDENCE:  
Every resident is expected to submit or communicate a written or verbal goal statement to the house manager, house officers, or a Director for the first weekly meeting of the month.  It can be anonymous, detailing or describing their recovery, career, or progress plans for the immediate to long-term. Two-three paragraphs.  Examples of advancing one’s recovery and independence include but are not limited to, an outpatient day program at a treatment facility, actively seeking or returning to work, vocational training, career planning, paying off debts or court fines/tickets, family therapy, 12 Step meetings, Smart Recovery, sponsorship, mentorship, attending school, or volunteering for projects in the house or community.