Bridge to Dove Recovery House Inc. is a dedicated not-for-profit organization focused on addressing the critical need for substance abuse recovery services in Bartholomew County by providing a turnkey facility for a recovery service provider, Dove House for Women. Bridge to Dove Recovery House, Inc. seeks to "be the bridge" to bring Dove Recovery House for Women to Columbus. In doing so, we’ll also open up a short term, low income affordable housing option for those who participate in the program.

Moms, over the age of 18, medically stable, have an experience with SUD. Dove House services address all kinds of substance use disorder, not just opioids.

The Bridge to Dove Recovery House project addresses the root cause of not having local recovery services available to residents (or in neighboring counties actually) because of high barriers to entry for providers. Right now, there are no NARR LEVEL IV providers in Bartholomew County. The root cause is the absence of an available, turnkey facility that can attract recovery providers who are operating on thin margins. By having a facility that is available and ready to be leased by a provider, we can build the bridge needed to ensure women with the highest recovery needs, specifically those requiring NARR Level IV services, are able to be served.

The United Way of Bartholomew County recognized this project had the potential to help the local population of unhoused women because often substance use disorder is part of that situation. They are a major financial contributor to this project.

Bridge To Dove provides a unique and comprehensive solution for women who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). The Dove programming approach allows women to stay in residence for up to two years, offering them the time and support they need to work towards recovery and independence. They provide total wrap-around services that address various aspects of their lives, including healthcare, counseling, skill development, and employment assistance. This holistic support system is designed to empower women in their journey to recovery and stability, offering them a solid foundation to rebuild their lives.

We will have both short term and long-term goals.

The short-term goals involve getting the facility ready to be leased and the long term goals focus more on ensuring clients are getting the services they need. Specific outcomes include:

1) Tenant (Dove House) achieves NARR Level IV Certification within three months of move in date

2) Facility serves at least 15 Bartholomew County women per year

3) At least 70% of those served complete the Dove House program

4) Six months after completing the program, at least 75% of clients report maintaining sobriety, living in safe housing, and engaging in recovery supports.

5) We will also track grant specific data including: number served, type of services delivered, etc.

We will report these measures to the State of Indiana for at least three years. We will also have similar reporting requirements for the United Way for at least five years.

Yes, Dove House will prioritize Bartholomew County residents. If there is a time where a resident cannot be placed in the program, another person on the Dove waiting list will be offered a slot.

Our goal is to fundraise 100% of our project costs so the facility is debt free. As part of our capital campaign plan, we will also establish a building maintenance reserve for long term maintenance items (target of $75,000 in the budget – this is funded already).

Dove House for Women, our lessee, will take care of their own operating costs and they use a combination of reimbursable billing and philanthropy to ensure their sustainability. They have various funders in the Indianapolis area and a large endowment to help with their financial needs. They will pay for all general maintenance needs during their time leasing the property. They are committing to operate the facility for twenty years.