Serenity Homes of Oregon

The Basics

Founded in 2006, Serenity Homes of Oregon offers sober living for men dealing with substance abuse issues in southwest Portland. Co-founders Walter Phinney and Gregg Wilkey met when they were roommates in a sober living home in the late 1990’s. They believe their experience with structured living helped them both learn the tools they needed to maintain long-term sobriety. Until recently, Serenity Homes of Oregon operated four houses, but presently manages just one house in an undisclosed address on Vermont Street near Gabriel Park. This sober living facility has served over 200 clients and boasts an 85% success rate.

Accommodations and Amenities

Six residents live in single rooms inside a large single-family house that include a spacious kitchen and comfortably furnished common area. The house has three bathrooms, so residents only have to share with one other guy. Amenities include Cable TV and Wi-Fi. Residents range in age, typically between their early 20’s and late 40’s.

Clients are responsible for purchasing food and prepare their own meals. Sometimes they pool their resources and prepare meals together, family style, However, due to their diverse schedules, residents usually eat alone. The house is located in close proximity to a bus line.

Rules and Regulations

All potential residents fill out an application, followed by a phone interview and a screening assessment to ensure that Serenity Homes of Oregon is an appropriate fit. Prior to admittance, clients must have 30 days of abstinence and have completed inpatient treatment or be enrolled in an outpatient program. While a one-year commitment is suggested, there is a six-month minimum obligation. All applicants must sign a contract stating their agreement to the house rules and regulations when they move in. During the first 30 days, there are no visiting privileges. The curfew is 11 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and midnight Fridays through Saturdays.

Serenity Homes advocates a 12-step approach to recovery. Residents must attend 90 meetings in 90 days, and get a sponsor within a week of moving in. After they have fulfilled the 90 meetings in 90 days quota, they attend a minimum of four weekly off-site 12-step meetings. There is a mandatory in-house weekly meeting.

During their stay, some residents attend outpatient treatment at Serenity Lane, a local drug rehab (not affiliated with Serenity Homes in Oregon). Clients must have jobs, be actively looking for work or be in school. Additionally, residents must volunteer eight hours minimum on a monthly basis to a charitable organization. Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted, and if unusual conduct is detected, a drug screening will be performed. Clients must meet weekly with program officers and complete progress reports.

The 30-day cost is $850. Move-in cost is $1,851 and includes two month’s rent, a $100 cleaning deposit, $20 criminal check and a $31 urine drug screening fee.

Extras

Clients get free YMCA memberships and the YMCA is in close proximity to the house. Typically, the men work out Mondays through Fridays,

In Summary

Because the founders of Serenity Homes of Oregon got so much out of sober living, they were inspired to try to recreate that experience for other men seeking recovery. While this is not a good pick for those who aren’t into 12-step style recovery,  Serenity Homes offers men a safe place to create new friendships, stay clean and sober and rebuild their lives.

Serenity Homes of Oregon
7327 SW Barnes Road PMB 203
Portland, OR 97225

Serenity Homes of Oregon Cost: $850 (30 days), $1,851 (move-in cost). Reach Serenity Homes of Oregon by phone at (503) 246-SHO1 (7461). Find Serenity Homes of Oregon on Google +

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Photo courtesy of PortlandSouthwestRealEstate

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