The Van Ness Recovery House, the oldest recovery house serving the LGBTQ+ community in the Nation, is celebrating 50 years this weekend on Sunday, May 21, 2023 starting at 2pm. The Board of Directors, House alumni, and supporters of the oldest LGBTQ+ are hosting an anniversary celebration at 1919 North Beachwood Drive.
The Van Ness Recovery House has been serving the LGBTQ community since it first opened its doors on Van Ness Avenue, in 1973. LGBTQ alcoholics and addicts had access to help, substance abuse treatment, and were able to attend 12-step meetings during a time when same sex behavior was illegal in the U.S. (same sex behavior was not legalized until 1976).
In early 1986, the Van Ness Recovery House moved to its current location on 1919 North Beachwood Drive, where it continues to be a beacon of hope for those who suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol and want help. The house specializes in issues that afflict the LGBT community, focusing on the dangers of dark, secret and anonymous sex. It provides the life tools necessary to not just get sober, but a road map to continue living as a healthy, self-supporting, clean and sober member of society.
The nonprofit organization utilizes the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, and provides day and residential treatment, sober living, education, prevention, and outreach services in a socially supportive and chemically free environment. Services are available to anyone regardless of their ability to pay or their HIV status.
The house currently offers two sober living facilities, one in Los Angeles and one in West Hollywood for those individuals who complete the program and need affordable housing while they get back on their feet.
For many, The Van Ness Recovery House is the last house on the block when seeking recovery from addiction. It continues to be a safe place that LGBTQ people (and open minded heterosexual people as well), can call home.
