Trinity Sober Homes

The Basics

Trinity Sober Homes is a non-profit organization that provides Catholic-based sober living for mature men, ages 40 and older in St. Paul, Minnesota. Trinity was founded in 2010 by Father Martin Fleming, who is also a retired US Army colonel and executive director Tim Murray. Murray, who is in recovery, lived with Father Fleming for two years while he was a newcomer. During that time, they received requests from other men asking for Catholic faith-based sober living homes. Their shared mission is to introduce clients to various components of the Catholic faith, if so desired, as well as provide them with spiritual coaching, which is suited for their needs. At Trinity Sober Homes, it is not a prerequisite for clients to be Catholic.

Accommodations and Amenities

The Trinity Sober Homes organization manages three majestic homes located in the historic Ramsey Hill neighborhood and the Merriam Park district. The houses are named after the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The St. Michael House is 5,100 square feet and was built in 1900, and is a neoclassical style two-story brick house with a brick façade and a yellow porch with columns. The St. Michael house accommodates 12 men in single occupancy rooms, and features a meditation room, Trinity Gardens and a chapel, as well as a spacious common area with a flat screen TV and leather couches. Trinity Gardens at St. Michael’s house includes a rock waterfall, solar lights, Old World stone benches, a statue of a praying angel, ample foliage, flowers and hanging potted plants.

The St. Gabriel’s House is a spacious 6,000 square foot split-level house with pale red trim, blue shingles, and grey stucco. The house features sconces, and a birdbath statue of St. Francis of Assisi in the midst of a sprawling, landscaped garden. St. Gabriel’s accommodates 14 men, all in single rooms. St. Raphael’s accommodates 15 men, and the interior has a mediaeval quality. The house features a chapel with stained glass windows, a spacious living room with Americana wall to wall bookshelves filled with antique books, leather armchairs, a coffee table and a fireplace. At Trinity Sober Homes, clients reside in uniquely furnished single rooms, which include full or twin sized beds, and ornate antique furniture. Each bedroom is named after one of the spiritual principles of the 12 steps.

At Trinity Sober Homes, clients are responsible for their own groceries and meal preparation. On a monthly basis, a family style meal is provided for the residents after they attend mass at church. Amenities include cable TV, utilities and Wi-Fi. Each residence has a live-in house manager.

Rules and Regulations

Potential clients must have a minimum of 30 days of verified sobriety, or have successfully undergone a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment. A six-month minimum length of stay is required. Trinity Sober Homes operates on five basic rules, which include no alcohol or drugs, no violence or threats, no weapons and no sexual activity on the premises. Additionally, clients must pay their fees on time.

Other requirements are referred to as “strong suggestions.” When a client once asked what a strong suggestion was, Fleming used the following analogy as an example. “When parachuting, it is strongly suggested that you pull the ripcord for the best landing.” At Trinity Sober Homes, strong suggestions, on a weekly basis, include attending three 12-step meetings, performing household chores, meeting with a sponsor at least once, working a minimum of 30 hours or volunteering, as well as doing community service between one and two hours. Since clients are mature male adults, there is no curfew. This freedom allows clients an opportunity to work on accountability. Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted. The house maintains a zero tolerance policy and residents who relapse must leave the premises immediately.

Extras

Spiritual coaching is included in the fee, and clients receive two bi-monthly one-hour individual sessions. Coaching sessions include monthly reviews, life coaching and written recovery planning. There are seven spiritual coaches, and men are designated the coach who best suits their beliefs. There is one coach who works with men who just believe in a Higher Power, as well as one that focuses on providing assistance to those who belong to nondenominational sects. There is also a coach for devout Catholic residents.

The average length of stay at Trinity Sober Homes is 13 months or more, and 71% of clients maintain their sobriety for a year or longer, after their stay. Trinity Sober Homes is a member of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH), which demands high standards from its affiliates.

In Summary

Trinity Sober Homes provides excellent housing for men, ages 40 and older, who seek Catholic faith-based support. Additionally, Trinity Sober Homes is deeply rooted in the 12 steps, and clients will be able to utilize the program’s principles in their day-to-day lives. The lovely houses look like they should be featured in Architectural Digest, but most importantly, Trinity Sober Homes operates on the concept that mature men need an age-appropriate sober living which allows them to heal from the damages of substance addiction.

Trinity Sober Homes
Business Office
550 South Snelling Ave, Ste 104
St. Paul, MN  55116

Trinity Sober Homes Cost: $795 (30 days). Reach Trinity Sober Homes by phone at (701) 527-7769 (St. Michael House), (612) 250-1346 (St. Gabriel House) or by email. Find Trinity Sober Homes at YouTube, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn

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