Program is now able to provide rent, other housing costs, administration, personnel/operating costs, flexible funds, and essential client needs
Executives at New Life Friends Church Recovery recently announced that the program had received a $229,292 two-year grant from Clark County through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Thanks to this grant, New Life Friends Church Recovery is now able to provide rent, other housing costs, administration, personnel/operating costs, flexible funds, and essential client needs.
The grants received from Clark County for a new transitional housing project came just in time to prepare for the upcoming cold weather season. Program officials believe the timely achievement along with another quality collaboration with local agencies to mitigate a needed houselessness response effort, will result in the program’s success.
Dave White, who has volunteered as senior pastor of New Life Friends Church since its foundation, and founder of the men’s and women’s recovery houses, stated, “This is God’s timing for a new day and a new work to happen for recovery. We had a member of our men’s group who died from an opioid overdose, and it shook the group. Another member had admitted that he had been on heroin for the last month and let the group know they had missed it. It was for this reason the church switched gears to support addicts seeking recovery, and the Rock was born in 2002 on the corner of 33rd and St. Johns – the gateway to Rose Village.”
Carl Robinson, the current director of the recovery program, also a men’s home graduate, stated, “I have been blessed by this church and the program they offer. Because of them and Jesus, I am a credentialed substance use disorder counselor who is finishing up my master’s in social work and I get to keep what I have (recovery), by giving it away. We have a plan to offer substance use treatment and mental health services in the future. I believe this is a way to offer a holistic approach to people’s recovery by including housing, ongoing support, and behavioral health services in house.”
Community engagement
If members of the community feel the need to get involved, they are encouraged to reach out with the information below. They should be sure to state that their desire is to help the recovery houses. “We can always use collaboration of services, donations, and community champions to help us continue supporting recovery, houselessness, and the behavioral health needs of our community members,’’ Robinson said.
For all questions, comments, or concerns, contact Carl Robinson, housing director for New Life Friends Church Recovery, at nlfc4recovery@gmail.com or (360) 694-6843.
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churches should not be receiving grants from the government to support homelessness. take up offerings to “support” the homeless bums in this city, do not force the tax payer to do so by using grant money!!