How Solid Ground NC Meets the Needs

Challenges After Graduating from Rehabilitation Programs: Building a Substance-Free Life

After completing rehabilitation programs, individuals often face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Many have not experienced clean, independent living for an extended period, if ever. The transition often becomes overwhelming as they strive to secure transportation, housing, and maintain employment while safeguarding their newfound sobriety. 

Four Major Barriers to Continued Sobriety:

1. Finances

Despite being employed during the rehabilitation program, graduates only receive a salary for the final two months. This proves insufficient when attempting to secure transportation, make a deposit on an apartment, and cover initial rent. Most lack savings and essential financial management skills for successful independent living.

2. Criminal Records

Graduates often carry drug charges on their records, including felonies and a history of prison time. Rental agencies are hesitant to lease to individuals with such red flags on their background checks, exacerbating the scarcity of available rental properties. 

3. No Credit History or Poor Credit History

Individuals recovering from addiction may lack a credit history, having never paid utility bills or received a taxable salary. Some have poor credit histories due to bankruptcy or overdue bills.

4. Continued Need for Encouragement in Sober Living

While the physical aspects of addiction may recede after a year of rehab, the emotional aspects persist for decades. Returning to the "real world" without the support system and accountability from rehab makes it easier to revert to previous behaviors. 

How Solid Ground NC Helps

1. Financial Empowerment:

1. • Affordable Housing: Provides below-market-rate housing with a low deposit, reducing financial barriers.

   • Financial Education: Offers financial classes and advisement to coach residents in making choices leading to complete financial independence.

2. Overcoming Criminal Records:

   • Transitional Housing: By spending one year in rehab followed by two years in transitional housing, residents can distance themselves from past criminal records. This extended commitment demonstrates true behavioral changes, making them more appealing to potential landlords.

   • Landlord Relationships: Solid Ground NC aims to develop relationships with potential landlords to enhance the acceptance of individuals with two years of good rental history.

3. Credit History:

   • Monthly Payments: Residents pay monthly housing fees and utility bills, contributing to the development of their credit history.

   • Financial Margin: Below-market rent provides a financial margin to start paying off debts, aiding credit history improvement.

4. Encouragement in Sober Living:

   • Community Support: Solid Ground NC structures housing in communities designed to encourage interactions and relationships among residents. This sense of community helps combat the isolation that can contribute to relapse. 

   • Ongoing Accountability: Regular check-ins by Solid Ground NC serve as an additional layer of accountability. This support ensures that individuals continue to adhere to their commitment to sober living even after completing their rehabilitation journey. 

Solid Ground NC is committed to providing comprehensive support to empower individuals in their journey toward sustained recovery and independence.