Women's recovery house opens in Norwalk

NORWALK — The Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) cut the ribbon Friday at the new Huron County Women's Recovery House. It is located at 15 Adams St. and will house up to eight women who are seeking recovery from substance use disorders. The goal of the house is to support women in their commitment to sobriety by focusing on improving their physical, emotional, relational and spiritual heath all while assisting them in becoming productive members of their community by providing housing and additional supports. The recovery house will promote recovery and resiliency for the women who reside there by providing an environment that is free from mind-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol and offering support services to assist residents on their journey of sobriety. Many of the women who will reside at the residence have not only endured addiction but have also potentially faced additional challenges such as domestic violence, other physical and/or psychological abuse, trauma or mental illness. "Thank you very much," said Kristen Cardone, executive director of the Huron County Mental Health & Addiction Services. "Thank you to the commissioners for always supporting behavioral health in any way, shape or form. Not just recovery but treatment, prevention ... every single piece of it. "It's been outstanding the amount of support we have received from the community. Most importantly, thank-you to the community. This project would not be possible without the residents of Huron County." The facility will provide a safe and stable environment that will allow the residents to process and work through those challenges and hardships without the use of substances, offering support as they rebuild their lives. In addition, this facility will help residents gain the skills necessary for recovery and establish a strong, sober support network that can help them overcome their personal challenges and help them achieve long-term sobriety. The group is asking for community members who are willing and able to assist MHAS in furnishing the house. It will have four beds available to start, with the other half of the residence to be completed and open by the summer of 2022 for a total of eight beds. With the community's donations, women who reside in the house will have items they need to feel at home and assist them as they focus on rebuilding their lives to become productive members of society. In short, Cardone summed it up with three simple words — "Safe, stable housing." A list of items currently needed may be found at hcbmhas.org/public-notices. If you would like to partner with MHAS and provide a needed item(s) for the house, visit hcbmhas.org/public-notices to submit a donation form with your item(s) and contact information. For individuals in recovery, a community provides a lifeline and those suffering from substance abuse need the support of a community to stay clean. MHAS is incredibly grateful for the community's continued support of the Board's efforts as we work together to help meet the needs of residents who experience mental health and substance use issues and work towards creating a healthier Huron County.