Milestone has a unique opportunity of offering several types of settings for its clients depending on their needs and experiences. The main building has 5 single bedrooms with a common kitchen and large living room. For male clients who need a "group home" environment (at least initially) to maintain sobriety will find these arrangements most comfortable and familiar. For those coming from one of Milestone's programs (extended care or transitional) this will be the first opportunity in over a year for the client to have their own separate bedroom - another step in the road to recovery.
For clients who do not need the group home atmosphere of a "Single Room Occupancy" (SRO), the building has a two-bedroom apartment and two single bedroom apartments. These arrangements will allow an option for new clients as well as a progressive step for SRO clients who want to become more independent and leave the group home atmosphere of the main building.
Since the proposed building is adjacent to Milestone's Extended Care Program and transitional living facility, there is immediate help available for any of the permanently housed residents from the counselors at Milestone 24 hours per day. It is also hoped that the residents in the permanent housing will volunteer their time at Milestone and work with the clients in extended care and transitional care. This "giving back" can be very therapeutic and beneficial for recovering substance abusers and is part of the basis of the 12 step self-help programs.
The facility is in the heart of the town of Old Orchard Beach. Within walking distance are two banks, town library (with computers), grocery store, pharmacy, town hall, the ocean and beaches. Transportation for the residents, if they don't obtain their own vehicles, will be available by buses and taxicabs. Milestone's extended care program has two vans in which clients are transported and are available to residents of the permanent housing site on a space available and vehicle available basis. Each evening one of the vans is used to transport clients to a variety of self-help meetings in the area and space is usually available or the second van could be used if needed for these meeting.
The Carriage House
in Old Orchard Beach.
