Transition House

Transition House Review

Located in Toronto, Ontario, Transition House is a sober living facility that provides substance-free accommodations for young men over the age of 16. These men are usually in the early stages of recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders, or process addictions like gambling. Founded in 1976, this sober living offers substantial assistance with getting the young mens’ lives back on track in addition to accommodations. Many residents come in as referrals from area agencies, detox units and inpatient programs. It’s worth mentioning, the 12-step recovery model is a significant component of the programming.

Accommodations and Amenities

Transition House is a family-style brick home on a quiet, tree-lined residential street in the Annex neighborhood of Toronto. The home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen, dining room, laundry room and spacious common area for socializing and group meetings. There is also a recreational room with a flatscreen TV in addition to a nice patio area in the backyard.

Residents enjoy not only a stable foundation but a safe haven where they are under around-the-clock supervision. With accommodations for between 10 and 15 residents at a time, the house fosters both privacy and a sense of community. The clients share bedrooms that feature footlockers, a desk, and easy access to a bathroom and shower.

Smoking is permitted on the back deck. There is a handicapped-accessible ramp for clients in need. Residents have access to a pay telephone on site as well as a home computer. Visitors are not allowed at Transition House.

Rules and Regulations

During intake, residents go through an extensive evaluation that includes the individual’s specific needs and goals. While many of the clients are coming from an inpatient program, residents must still be in regular counseling and working with a case manager. The facility provides a number of therapeutic services such as psychoeducation classes that focus on topics such as relapse prevention, and stress and anger management.

The facility believes in the importance of both self and community when it comes to the success of a long-term, sustainable recovery. To this end, residents are given a number of opportunities to volunteer in the community. The Transition House team also provides assistance with employment.

Staff members encourage residents to take an active role in the daily running of the home. Consequently, clients must perform daily chores and work together with peers to prepare meals. Curfew is at 11:30 pm weekdays and 1 am on weekends. Clients participate in both 12-step meetings and a mandatory weekly house meeting.

While the length of stay may vary depending on the individual’s needs, the maximum length of stay is three months.

Extras

Residents go on frequent outings to movies and sporting events.

In Summary

Transition House is a non-profit organization and a pillar of the Toronto community since 1976. It promises structured sober living, employment assistance and therapeutic services for men in the early recovery stages of recovery. Part of the United Way of Greater Toronto, this is an excellent place for anyone seeking transitional help and safe accommodations.