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Lost & Foundation - Sober Housing & Essentials

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UPDATE 12/29/20:  I am resurrecting this fundraiser to support those in recovery. Not only is the pandemic a primary factor, there is now added challenges: Civil unrest and tragic, utter destruction within blocks of each sober house, long-term pandemic complications including more relapses in houses due to isolation, depression, anxiety and fear, as well as less incoming clients since less folks admitting to inpatient.

NOTE MAY 2020: THIS FUNDRAISER HAS BEEN PUT ON HOLD FOLLOWING THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD.

Now more than ever, the safe and controlled environments provided by sober houses are needed for those recovering from addiction.  COVID-19 has left all of us struggling in one way or another; it has monumentally affected residents' access to employment, and put financial pressure on their loved ones . The purpose of this fundraiser is to provide financial assistance for safe, supportive, affordable housing for recovering addicts and alcoholics who are seeking continued structure following inpatient treatment. 

Your support will help those who even in the most "normal" times need the community support for recovery. Donations will provide scholarships of $100-$200 for housing costs at Bright Spot Sober Living, as well as living essentials (details below). 

All residents are held firmly accountable to the principles and actions of recovery. We require 100% abstinence from drugs and alcohol, attending (3) 12-step meetings per week, securing and maintaining solid sponsorship, treating mental health needs (intensive outpatient, psychiatry, therapy, etc.), participating in weekly house meeting, and following house rules  including curfew, house chores, sleep hygiene, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 
* Where will my money be going? 
Recipients of scholarships will receive $100-$200 for housing costs and living essentials: masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, tampons, laundry soap, shampoo, razors, and new underwear (cuz we ALL need fresh, clean skivvies to start the day right!), etc. 10% of funds raised will go to the formal establishment of a non-profit organization (501c3), Lost & Foundation, with a similar but more robust mission: To help addicts and alcoholics maintain long-term recovery through housing, employment and education support.  

* How much does a sober house cost anyways?
Prices certainly vary. Ours are $600-$750 per month in a shared room in safe areas of South Minneapolis and Uptown. Before you say "That seems like a lot of dough to share a room!" -- this cost includes a fully furnished and spotless home, very attentive house management, all utilities and WiFi, rock star maintenance, all cleaning and paper products (toilet paper and paper towels), and the occasional pizza or banana split party! 
* $20.00/day - twin bed in lovely, clean home in quiet residential neighborhood near 44th and Portland Avenue
* $22.50/day - full bed, or fancier room in amazing mansion in Uptown near 25th and Pillsbury Avenue.
* $25.00/day - twin bed in an insanely amazing historic mansion in the heart of Uptown near 23rd and Bryant Avenue.

* How many people can this fundraiser help?
Glad you asked! We are hoping to help at 50-60 awesome individuals with a scholarship award averaging $200. 

* What differentiates your sober housing from other sober houses?
Valid question! Firstly, we operate with this simple credo: residents over revenue. In other words, we put spiritual principles before financial principles. Additionally, we motivate and empower our residents to maintain and enjoy LONG-TERM recovery -- not just a band-aid or placeholder until the next treatment, next near death experience, incarceration or hospitalization. Our basic and effective model:
- Accountability & Action 
- Community & Connection
- Sponsorship & Support

* What do you mean by LONG-TERM recovery? 
Getting sober is so hard; *staying*sober is arguably even more difficult. We often see a drop-off into relapse after leaving the traditional detox/treatment/sober housing model. We believe that is attributed to the sometimes casual, lackadaisical, hands-off approach to sober housing management. We teach new skills, hold residents accountable, and empower and nurture true sustainable personal growth. Our evidence lies in our inspirationally strong alumni base with many individuals 1 to 7 years sober who are now leaders in the recovery community. 
PS - We started in 2013, hence the 7 years!

Organizer

Valerie Quintana
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN

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