Sober Living of Montana

The Basics

Formerly known as Freedom House of Kalispell, Sober Living of Montana is a sober living facility for men. In 2010, prior to the name change, the house had some issues with neighborhood zoning permits, among other things. However, a married couple now run the operation and reside on the property to facilitate a healthy, cooperative environment. This home can accommodate up to six residents, although the beds are not always full which lends intimacy to the environment. Clients are expected to participate in 12-step recovery or attend church for additional support.

Accommodations and Amenities

The facility is a two-story house with a pale yellow exterior. The home is a modest structure in a quiet, suburban neighborhood. The home provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere where clients can kick back and feel at home. There are four bedrooms, each outfitted with two twin beds. Clients share two bathrooms. In terms of social space, three communal rooms are set up with cable TV. There is a living room and dining room on the main floor. Clients share the kitchen, each contributing $100 a month to a community food budget and cooking one meal for the house per week. The house has a large backyard, with a patio ready for barbeques in the summertime.

Rules and Regulations

The initial client contract at Sober Living of Montana is four months. Clients must be 18 years of age or older and have 72 hours of clean time prior to admission. Any medications must be prescribed by a physician. Clients must have a job, a medical release or at least 20 hours of volunteer work scheduled per week if they are on Social Security.

Sober Living of Montana has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol. The co-owners act as the house manager and director on staff. Clients submit to urine screenings or breathalyzers at random. If clients relapse, they will be asked to leave the premises permanently and will not be refunded. Clients must show respect to residents and staff. Maintaining cleanliness of personal as well as community space is also expected; weekly chores are assigned by the manager or director every Sunday.

Clients must attend five 12-step or church meetings each week. They must also get a sponsor if they are working a 12-step program of recovery. Staff hold one mandatory house meeting per week at 7pm on Sundays. Twelve step meetings are within walking distance of the property, although clients can usually catch a ride to meetings with the male co-owner of the property, who is also in recovery.

Clients are permitted to make calls for 15 minutes at a time. Phone hours are from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm. There will be no overnight passes for clients in the first 30 days of residency. Curfew is 11 pm on Monday through Thursday and one am Friday and Saturday. Curfew on Sunday is 7 pm for the weekly house meeting. Overnight passes require 48-hour notice in order to be approved by the staff. Guests are permitted to be in common areas only and must vacate the house by 10 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 pm on Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. Children are allowed to visit clients at the home, though they may not stay overnight.

Aside from relapse, there is a ”three-strikes” rule at Sober Living of Montana. This includes, but is not limited to, two violations of curfew, for example. Even if clients break rules or regulations, they are responsible for paying the remainder of their four-month balance. After four months of residency, clients may choose to stay as long as they see fit, provided they continue to follow the strictly-enforced code of conduct. Rent is due on the first of every month. Failure to turn in rent by the fifth of the month will result in a $25 late fee. If clients plan to terminate their residency, they must give 30 days’ notice to the director.

Extras

Cell phones, computers and other electronics are allowed and free Wi-Fi is available. Residents without cars are able to benefit from the availability of the owners for transportation.

There is a smoking room in the basement (to accommodate smokers in the blustery Montana winter months) that has a TV, stereo and weight bench.

In Summary

Although the house now known as Sober Living of Montana has a shady past, the presence of on-site managers provides structure. While clients must adhere to strict rules and regulations, they have the freedom to venture off the premises for meetings, overnight visits and personal recreation time. The guidelines are strictly-enforced, so those who aren’t committed to living on the property for at least four months with the singular purpose of working on their recovery will want to keep looking.

Sober Living of Montana
1128 3rd Avenue West
Kalispell, MT 59901

Sober Living of Montana Cost: $350 (30 days). Reach Sober Living of Montana by phone at (406) 250-4461 or by email at soberliving@bresnan.net

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