The Van Ness Recovery House, located at 1919 North Beachwood Drive, is turning 50 this year. The Board of Directors, House alumni, and supporters of the oldest LGBTQ+ recovery house in the nation kicked off its Capital Campaign last October to raise funds for much needed improvements to the House.
The fundraising efforts continue next month with a 50th Gala Capital Fundraiser taking place at the private residence of board member Brian Stevens and his fiance Alex Capecelatro in Beverly Hills. The event, on April 16th, 11:00 – 2:00pm, will be a brunch (vegan and vegetarian options available) with a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and valet parking. Chef Jonathan Darr of Love Catering will cater the brunch.
Tickets are $2,500 per person. Please note that 96% of your contribution is tax deductible
and goes directly to support the VNRH Capital Campaign, raising badly needed funds for upgrades to the kitchen and upstairs bedrooms.
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.
“The Van Ness Recovery House is not any ordinary recovery house,” said board member RJ Holguin. “It has been a safe haven for the LGBTQ community since 1973. The house has always been a place where people can come and be themselves. It has also been a safe haven for those who have been afflicted by AIDS and HIV. Many people who had nowhere to go, no family no friends, have come back to this place they call home and spent their last moments on earth here. That holds true today.”
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.
