The Van Ness Recovery House, located at 1919 North Beachwood Drive, is turning 50 years in 2023. To begin the celebration of its golden anniversary, the oldest LGBTQ+ recovery in the nation is having a Capital Campaign Kickoff party on Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 2pm-6pm. The event is a fundraiser in support of the program hosted by board members and alumni at the North Beachwood Address. There will be food, raffle and several ways to donate. Valet Parking is also available.
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.
The Capital Campaign Kickoff party this weekend will start a series of events in the hopes to raising badly needed funds for upgrades to the kitchen and the bedrooms upstairs.
To learn more about services and to donate, visit:
Donate • Van Ness Recovery House.
Van Ness Recovery House is deep in Hollywood. Why is this a thing?
Congratulations on a remarkable milestone. 50 years of doing God’s work is commendable.