Real Life

REAL Housing supports Lifers that need a structured residential environment for recovery during their transition from incarceration, addiction, or homelessness to independent living and a Thriving Life.REAL LIFE sets the highest standards of care to foster personal growth, develop a foundation for long term recovery, and improve the quality of life through delivering REAL LIFE's 5 pillars of service.The housing crisis can be viewed as two primary issues "affordable housing and "controlled environment housing" needed for recovery and transition to independent living. Fortunately, several organizations are working for affordable housing. A lot of funding and work is being applied to affordable housing.REAL LIFE will always extend help to Lifers needing affordable housing upon completion of the program, but the unique housing contribution for REAL LIFE is accommodating Lifers who need a controlled environment to recover and/or transition to independent living.While we work to get individuals in a housing crisis into affordable housing, options are significantly limited for those without income (which most Lifers do not have). For those needing a recovery house, there is often nothing we can do due to the shortage of this type housing that is safe, stable, and affordable.Recovery houses REAL LIFE Housing fosters a community of people who need safe, sober, and structured recovery housing during their transition to a thriving life.QUOTE: "One of the smartest things I've ever done is to voluntarily go into the REAL LIFE Program, and I'm glad I did. I needed that change. 18 months of structure. Now, I've been on my own, making big decisions, working hard every day and taking it day by day. So far, so good." Josh K. Serving individuals in 12 houses with 131 bedsMany men and women seeking services from REAL LIFE are in crisis not only due to their addiction, but also because of their housing situation. Sadly, a large portion of Lifers were previously homeless, bouncing from couch to couch, or living in a place that is not conducive to recovery or they are coming directly from incarceration.Individuals residing in one of REAL LIFE's houses receive intensive case management services and supervision through their Pathway Navigator.. Comprehensive programming and recovery support, including 20-30 hours of classes per week with REAL LIFE curriculum . Employment support . Education support . Peer supportInterested in applying to REAL LIFE for you, a family member, friend, client, probationer? Housing Process Basic criteria . Over 18 years old . Able to pass a drug test. If detox is needed, that must occur before coming to REAL LIFE. . Willing and able to work; not on disability and not planning on filing disability . If there is a mental health diagnosis, they must be regulated and completely medication compliant if on medication. . Willing to commit to the strong rigor and structure that REAL LIFE requires, equating to almost 40 hours a week of programming. This includes case management, 25 classes and groups a week, competition of the 234 page REAL LIFE curriculum, and more.

It is our goal to meet clients where they are through either connecting clients with existing resources or fill the gaps where they are present. While Richmond has many great resources through non-profit and government resources, often individuals do not know how to navigate or access the many options. This is where REAL Life helps guide and connect them with such resources, such as housing, medical, or mental health. However, REAL Life also provides services/resources where there are gaps due to lack of services, whether that is due to not enough resources or none at all, such as cell phones, bus tickets, job assistance, mentoring, etc. One of our 'flagship' services is our weekly "alumni" meetings, which is a means of keeping a network of recovering individuals from our program together, as well as provide a plethora of meeting topics, such as 12 steps, obtaining a driver's license, budgeting, cooking, raising children, or anger management. The REAL House, located in South Richmond, was opened in May 2017, as a response to the growing need for affordable housing for those exiting incarceration. The house is also available for men exiting incarceration from the RCJC and is a six-month sober living home, which utilizes a similar behavior modification program that was found within The REAL Program in the RCJC.The REAL LIFE Community Center is the newest offering of REAL LIFE. The Center opened as a response to a need in the community for men and women exiting incarceration, as well as those in the community needing assistance to overcome addictions or barriers that hinder success. Whatever situation individuals find themselves in, REAL LIFE is able to help through intensive case management in the Center, as well as a wide variety of classes, services, meetings and groups at the Center