Happy Destiny House - http://www.happydestinyhouse.org/ (in English, “destiny” has always has a bit of a predestination element to it, but the Latin root, destino – meaning to make firm, to establish, to choose - gives a bit more agency to us.  I do like the idea of a place you were meant to go to and also where you build a better future.  It is a melding of a Calvinist upbringing and my own appreciation for free will.  Fun word, Destiny.  –ed.).    

• Breanna Willard, Happy Destiny House - breanne@happydestinyhouse.org
• Robert Willard, Happy Destiny House – Robert@happydestinyhouse.org (I’m guessing at Robert’s e-mail, so use at your own discretion. –ed)
• Our Mission, as a nonprofit, is to help individuals become self-sufficient with clean and sober housing. 
• We don’t kick people out – more like permanent supportive housing.  We still want people to be independent and move out, of course.  
• Breanna - I got sober 8 ½ years ago in sober living in Phoenix.  I have worked a lot with addicts and in treatment centers.  With the “Seattle is Dying” thing, it is important to remember that not all (and this is where my notes end on this point – I think she said “it is important to remember that not all folks who are homeless have substance use disorders”, but I’m not sure.  They dock my pay every time I don’t complete a sentence correctly in the notes, so if we could just keep this between you and me – I’d appreciate it.   –ed)
• We serve the folks who are both homeless and also have substance use disorders.  We want to serve those who self-identify that they are homeless and have an SUD.
• We think we have an ability to really impact these people. 
• A lot of low income housing doesn’t have support to stay sober.  I love housing first, but then they are just left there. 
• There are some sober living, but it isn’t always as supportive as it needs to be. 
• This program is not faith-based, but is rooted in 12 step recovery program. (which is rooted just a little bit in God – well, at least 6 of the 12 steps are – just sayin’. –ed)
• Have full blown case management, with sobriety support and structured housing. 
• We partner with other agencies for financial training, vocational training, life skills, etc.  That might mean taking them to Sherri at Valeo Vocation, or services at the Recovery Café. 
• We have shared rooms – with space for 6 men.  It is a men’s house.  Cable, phone, WIFI, a computer, printers, washer and dryer are included in the rent.
• We are located right by the mall, within easy walking distance to transit.
• Requirements
  • 18 or older
  • Pee clean – although this is a gray area with marijuana as it remains in the system so long – so it may come back positive, but needs to be diminishing over time
  • Must attend 12-step meetings
  • Have weekly chores
  • $200 move in fee, rent is $480 per month
• Audrey – are Methadone or Suboxone users allowed?  Breanna – no – if they are working on getting off those medications, then, yes.  Otherwise, no.  Question – Why not?  Breanna - What we can do is create a path to permanent sobriety based on what we do well.  Folks on Methadone are on a different path – and that may interfere with others working on the 12 step path.  It is challenging for clients to have roommates not also following the 12 step path. 
• Don – Have you considered partnering with referrals to Methodone programs ?  Deanna – sure.  We are happy to refer clients to other programs
• James - there is an argument on Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) vs. abstinence programs.  There are strong beliefs on both sides.  As long as we have both and a significant demand for both, and success with both, our community should welcome both (that isn’t exactly what James said, but that is the core idea. –ed). 
• How to folks get in
  • We have a website with an application – http://happydestinyhouse.org/
  • Call us - 360-663-4594 (it might just be time to make the commitment to Pierce County and get yourself a 253 area code –ed.)
  • E-mail - Breanne@happydestinyhouse.org
  • We’ll meet folks at the house the day they reach out with an interest in the program.
• Greta – what about prescribed cannabis products?  Breanna – not OK. 
• Robert – we are concerned with making this a good service in a system we know how to do.  We know clean and sober housing.
• Question  - What sort of vocation referrals do you do?  Breanna – we do resume writing and job searching on site – and partner with other organizations.  Our first move-in is going to House of Matthew’s classes.
• Marybeth – would house requirements preclude folks from going to school?  Breanna – we are absolutely wanting to fit their other obligations in with the program requirements.
• Question – thanks for stepping forward and providing another option.  Do you have openings?  Breanna – yes, we do.
• Al – what co-existing physical or mental health disorders would disqualify someone.  Breanna – if folks can shower themselves and get up and get out of the house on their own, and be able to interact with others early in their recovery, they are welcome.  There is nothing that will stop someone – if you can go to 12 steps, you can be a part of the program.
• Sean – is the live in house manager part of the program?  Breanna – they are in recovery and a great role model for the folks in  the house. 
• Do they have to be out of the house for a period of time every  day?  Breanna – first 30 days – must be back at the house by 9pm (or out with other house members).  Normal curfew is 11pm – midnight on weekends.  If they have a job and want to relax on the weekends –great, they can lay around the house.  If not employed, they need to be out of the house by 10am looking for work.  If folks have a disability, we need them to be getting out to meetings or places to volunteer.
• Al – felonies and sex offenders?  Breanna – we are open to anyone – everyone needs a place to get sober.  It may depend some on who is in the house – if we have someone who is vulnerable, we may need to exclude them.
• Marybeth – time limits?  Robert – it is a 6 month program, but folks can stay as long as they want.  At the end of 6 months, if they stay sober, they get their $200 deposit back.  While the rent is $480 per month,  clients can do $120 per week if week-by-week is needed.
• Al - As people get close to 6 months – will you connect them to other community housing  resources?  Breanna – that is the goal for the entire program.  Robert – we may refer folks to House of Matthew. 
• Breanna – we want to create some community for our clients – BBQs and events in the summer.   
• If people relapse, they aren’t kicked out right away.  Our first response will be to bring folks in closer.  If they are putting other’s at risk, the response may be different. 
• Emily – random UA’s?  Breanna – yes. 
• James – Breanna used to work for me, and I totally adore her.  This program may not be for everyone, but if clients are fully aware of what they are coming into, it is a great solution
• Question – it is inspiring to see Sherri and Breanna  take what they are doing and do something new and amazing that adds to the community.