You can’t rebuild your life while sleeping on the street.
You can’t rebuild your life while sleeping on the street.
The Phoenix Recovery Foundation exists to help people who are serious about recovery but can’t afford a safe place to live. They might be stuck in a shelter or crashing somewhere unstable, surrounded by people who are still using. What they need is a solid, sober environment—and that’s what we step in to provide.
Every dollar donated goes directly toward housing someone. There’s no overhead right now. Down the road, if managing the foundation becomes time-consuming, we may need to talk about and vote on sustainability—but today, it’s all about getting people off the street and into recovery.
We back the people who are ready—not just the ones who can pay.
Recovery houses are under pressure to take whoever can pay—even if that person isn’t ready—just to keep the doors open. And that can mess up the house. What makes PRF different is that we fund people because they’re ready. They want to change. And that’s what protects the recovery environment for everyone. No recovery house is forced to choose between someone who is a good fit and someone who can pay.
Scientifically backed expectations that give people their best chance for recovery.
People we sponsor have to meet certain expectations. They go to meetings. They’re either working, volunteering, or actively looking. They have a case manager involved in their recovery. And they write out a plan for how they’ll eventually support themselves and move out on their own. We don’t expect everyone to be on the same timeline. Some people might need six months, some might need two years. That’s okay—as long as they’re doing the work and moving forward.
The goal is always the same: to help the right people get into the right environment, and give them a real shot at turning their lives around.
Every stay in the house includes all utilities—heat, electric, water—plus free Wi-Fi, laundry appliances, and shared household supplies like toilet paper and paper towels. The kitchens are fully stocked with dishes, pots and pans, silverware, and all the basics people need to cook and clean up. Basically, people get to stay without the threat of utilities being shut off or the constant stress of extra bills. We’ve designed this to help people live with dignity while they focus on recovery.
1. Participation in Mutual Support Groups (e.g. AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
Why: Regular attendance is correlated with higher abstinence rates and long-term recovery success.
Requirement: Attend at least 2 meetings per week and provide proof or documentation (signature sheet, selfie with speaker, etc.).
2. Engagement with a Professional Case Manager or Counselor
Why: Individuals with professional oversight and a structured recovery plan show higher stability and retention in housing.
Requirement: Must have an active case manager, probation officer, peer recovery specialist, or clinical therapist who is involved and reachable.
3. Active Daily Structure
Why: A predictable routine reduces relapse risk and increases self-efficacy.
Requirement: Must be actively working, volunteering, or job-seeking during weekdays, with a schedule submitted and updated weekly.
4. Written Plan for Self-Sufficiency and Exit
Why: Goal-setting and personal accountability correlate with increased motivation and longer-term stability.
Requirement: Residents must submit a written plan (timeline flexible) describing how they intend to support themselves and eventually move out on their own.
5. Minimum Sobriety Requirement Prior to Entry
Why: Studies show recovery housing works best when residents already have some clean time—ideally 30–60 days minimum.
Requirement: Minimum 30–60 days sober before sponsorship, unless referred directly from inpatient or detox with follow-up care in place.
6. Community Engagement or Pro-Social Activities
Why: Connection to something greater than self—volunteering, spiritual groups, community service—lowers relapse and improves mental health.
Requirement: One weekly community, church, or service activity of their choice (could be a house dinner, church, volunteering, etc.).
7. House Participation
Why: Sober living thrives on shared responsibility and peer accountability.
Requirement: Attend weekly house meetings, follow chore schedules, and contribute to house peace and maintenance.
8. Willingness to Follow House Rules and Conflict Resolution Procedures
Why: High-functioning homes have clear boundaries and a process for dealing with conflict or relapse.
Requirement: Must agree in writing to house rules, drug testing policies, and a clear consequence structure.
9. Commitment to Drug & Alcohol Testing
Why: Random drug testing is a proven deterrent and a critical safety measure in shared recovery environments.
Requirement: Must agree to random urinalysis or breathalyzer tests as part of sponsorship.
10. Digital Distraction Boundaries (Optional)
Why: Excessive screen time and social media use have been linked to increased anxiety, relapse risk, and poor sleep.
Suggested Option: Encourage limited phone use during certain hours (e.g. no phones after 10PM), or establish tech-free common areas.
Contact Info:
Phoenix Recovery Foundation, Inc.
603 East 21st Street
Erie, PA 16503
Executive Director, Matt Bennett
814-923-1282