Discovery House, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, provides transitional housing for up to six months for homeless men and women and for those who are in recovery from alcoholism and other addictions. They may or may not have completed a substance abuse treatment program. The program offers case management to help residents set realistic goals for obtaining steady employment and position themselves for self-sufficiency upon leaving the program.
Phyllis Kempema, a recovered alcoholic, who wanted to help alcoholics, drug addicts, and homeless individuals get back on their feet and overcome their addictions, started discovery House. Discovery House is a homeless shelter and sober living environment with a maximum capacity of 14 residents. It is open to men and women from Northwest Iowa, Southern Minnesota, and surrounding states. It is the only such facility in the area.
Discovery House is a Christian-based, non-profit organization with a ten member Board of Directors who oversees its operation. The mission statement reads, “Discovery House provides a safe, supportive, Christian environment for homeless adults and those recovering from addictions. Residents receive counseling and the tools to begin to build a new foundation for a better life.”
Residents have access to shower and laundry facilities, mail delivery, emergency food supplement, telephone, clothing, toiletries, counseling services, transportation assistance, financial planning, and life skills training. In addition, referrals are made to support service agencies in the community for food, clothing, health care, financial planning/budgeting, employment, and housing.
Discovery House is a safe place for homeless individuals, alcoholics and addicts to get back on their feet, either before, during, or after completion of a treatment program. Residents are required to follow the guidelines of the house, attend 12 Step meetings, stay clean and sober, and learn accountability through holding a job. An alcoholic or drug addict may come to Discovery House after completing a treatment program as part of their aftercare, or continuing care plan
All of the residents at Discovery House receive weekly Christian counseling and attend Bible study. A group meal is provided once a week and participation in counseling and Bible study, and attendance at the house meal are all mandatory. Weekly church attendance and worship are also required.
Director, Julie Scheib is a University of Iowa graduate, a Stephen Minister, holds an Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (ACADC) from the State of Iowa, and an International Certification (ICADC) from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium.
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the premises, and if residents are found to be in violation of this, they are asked to leave. Residents in recovery from addictions are required to attend three 12 Step support group meetings per week and obtain a sponsor/mentor.
Rent is $50.00 per week, and all residents work on the process of becoming self-sufficient within six months. Curfew is 11:00 p.m., unless residents work the night shift.
Discovery House is dependent upon public and private donations, fundraisers, and grants for operational expenses. An average of eight residents are served per month.
