Our House – a 60-bed addictions recovery facility for men – is trying to find a way to cover the cost of a major repair and renovation.
The not-for-profit drug and alcohol rehab centre has been operating out of an old motel since 2007.
The organization was looking at replacing some lighting and the HVAC systems, which would cost about $100,000, when another discovery was made.
“We were challenged thinking about how we’re going to pay for that and then in our last visit from the health inspector, we discovered that there’s black mould in the kitchen,” executive director Laurie de Grace said. “We think part of that originated as one of the HVAC units not operating properly.”
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Now, they have to close the kitchen, rent a mobile kitchen, address the mould, clean all the appliances and rebuild the kitchen.
“But the extent of the mould is unknown,” de Grace said.
The health inspector also informed them they have to replace some worn-out vinyl-covered banquet seats in the dining room.
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All told, it means a hefty bill for a group that’s just keeping its head above water.
“We’re guessing a bare minimum of about $400,000 but that’s probably being very conservative.”
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WATCH: Our House executive director Laurie de Grace joined Global News Morning Edmonton to explain what is at stake if the renovations does not happen.
Our House opened in 1984. In 2007, it moved to the current location and expanded from 30 beds to 60. The facility offers longer-term addiction treatment.
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“The men who come here stay for a year, which is very unusual in a treatment program,” de Grace said. “Typically, they’re six weeks to 30 days or 90 days. Our clients come on a referral basis after completing a short-term treatment program and they’re typically men who weren’t successful in shorter treatment and need something more to both deal with their recovery and then prepare them to live in the public.
“People come from all walks of life but typically, by the time they get here, most have come from some pretty tough backgrounds and some are homeless… It’s a pretty essential service.”
Grants from Alberta Health Services make up about 10 per cent of Our House’s funding. Another 10 per cent comes from fundraising and donations.
“Eighty per cent comes from room and board,” de Grace said. “Of the 60 men, typically around 58 of them receive the money from Alberta Works or welfare. That pays $40 a day. It’s pretty hard for us to determine what the actual cost per day is for a client, but $40 a day doesn’t cover it.”
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Now, the group is facing mounting financial pressures and de Grace worries about the future.
“I hate to say we would have to close but we do not have $400,000 to cover this… We’re just trying to figure out how we can make up the shortfall and continue to operate.”
Ideally, she hopes a private donor might hear this call for help and step forward.
“Addiction doesn’t know socioeconomic status. There are no boundaries. We’re hoping that maybe somebody who’s been touched by addiction would feel very benevolent and would want to help us out.
“Know that you’re saving lives by doing this,” de Grace said. “The other message is that providing addiction treatment for people is far less costly than having people live on the street, go in the prison system, or utilize hospital beds. It’s very cost effective.”
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She feels strongly Our House has to stay open. The alternative is heartbreaking for her to think about.
“We’ve got 60 guys living here, working their program, I would hate to risk their lives and other people who haven’t even come in yet.”
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