The United Way of Northern California has made a deal to bring drug treatment to its microshelter community. The 64-square-foot shacks serve as emergency transitional housing for the unsheltered at a location on Mark Street off South Market behind the RABA facility. Weekly laundry and shower services are provided. Those who live in the little village must commit to a code of conduct for their stay of up to 10 months. One of the primary barriers to emerge from poverty and homelessness is the crippling drug addiction that’s common on the streets. Now the United Way has announced a partnership with Empire Recovery Center, a non-profit detox and residential rehab facility in Redding. Empire will provide the South Market micro shelter community with weekly on-site substance use counseling and care management.
– Steve Gibson