Hope Street is a supportive living environment for alcohol and drug addicts from the central city of Milwaukee. First, our program consists of a bed, a warm apartment that is shared with one or two others, food, and rest. After letting people adjust to their new home, we start our study groups. These groups encompass 14 weekly morning and evening bible studies, prayer groups, and discussion groups that are all centered on the Word of God. These gatherings are not AA or NA related. We require the residents to attend at least five of our meetings a week. We also talk with them individually, help them establish some very basic goals, and then do our best to hold them accountable.

The Lord's Holy Spirit individually guides each resident through our program. The Holy Spirit gently works in each resident as they talk to one another, help each other work out their differences, and begin to care about those around them. It is this genuine Spirit and faith that is felt by everyone who walks through the doors of HOPE Street.

Encouraging Through Accountability

Live-in Managers are here to encourage and hold residents accountable for compliance with the program structure and building rules. This helps to ensure the safety, security and cleanliness of the facility. Each occupant is responsible for purchasing and cooking their own food as well as cleaning their own apartment.

The fee for a shared apartment is $325 per month, and an admitting fee of $150, which includes utilities and the ability to get food from the food pantry. Those who are disabled have to have a funding source of some kind. We believe part of our ministry is to provide low rents to encourage responsibility but not drive people away.

Residents are welcome to remain at Hope Street as long as they display a commitment to recovery and are progressing in their spiritual journey.

Promoting Responsibility

While living at Hope Street, residents must actively pursue lifestyle change and abide by our numerous rules, which provide a safe, secure and drug-free environment. Resident responsibility is highly emphasized at Hope Street. A curfew is enforced and no overnight guests are allowed. Random drug screens are conducted on a regular basis. We discover problems quickly and take decisive action. If people are repentant, we give them another chance. However, we do not allow residents to stay if they are using drugs. Once a resident has cleaned up their act, we will do another assessment and decide if they are ready to return.