A very important part of the recovery and healing process is the safe and sober environment to do the intense work. Rules, structure, supportive relationships, programs, counseling are all part of the recovery equation. We also hear repeatedly from the men at Tim’s House and from our partners at the San Mateo Service League who operate the house, how important a clean and well-kept home environment is to recovery. It turns out having a clean, calm and well maintained home reflects on the men’s own feeling of self-worth. I think we can all appreciate that for ourselves as well.Recently the Service League embarked on a refresh of Tim’s House. First up was to replant the landscaping in the front and back yards. Here they selected drought resistant plants for the landscaping. Inside the house, the Wifi was upgraded to allow for greater use as COVID continues to require participating in online AA meetings. Residents also use the computer and phones for job hunting and online learning courses. Interior items such as doors, window blinds, lamps, bedding and decorative items were upgraded and refreshed. Sachet Simon, the Hope House Program Manager from the Service League, says the men truly appreciate the investment in the house and in their recovery, and often express how nice it is to live in Tim’s House.‍Currently there are four men living at Tim’s House. One reason for the stability of the House is the House Manager, Al. As a resident in recovery, and House Manager for years, Al acts as big brother to the younger men, as a sobriety role model and partner to Sachet in helping the house run smoothly. Jimmy has been in the house for a little over a month after completing a recovery program in jail. His goal is to build on his recovery and get back into good graces with his wife. Andy has resided at Tim’s House a little over a month and works in a warehouse through the Service Connect Agency. His goal is to continue to build his income through employment so he can support himself. Finally, the newest member of the house, with just two weeks in residence, is Mike. Residents new to Tim’s House often lack the confidence to believe they can have more in their life. The only people they have to talk to are past drug or alcohol users, and family members may have given up on them. Here Sachet is working with Mike as she does all the Hope House residents. She starts by asking, “As you look ahead one year from today, what do you want to have accomplished?” Their answers can range from working on anger management, secure a steady job, repair familial relationships, secure visitation with their children or continue their education. The men arrive at Tim’s House with various lengths of sobriety and different life circumstances. Sachet tries to “meet them where they are ” to help them achieve their goals and build their recovery.‍There is room for more men at Tim’s House, and the Service League is now able to go back into the jails (with COVID protections) to speak to men who want recovery support. Probation Officers also recommend potential residents and programs such as Common Ground look to place their newly recovered clients in a transitional program like Tim’s House.We hope this Tim’s House update leaves you with a warm feeling that you are reaching out and uplifting people who want help and are willing to work hard to reclaim their lives.