12 Questions You Need to Ask Before Choosing the Right Sober Living Home

How We Began

In 2000, when we opened Angie’s House, it was because I felt critical housing needs were not being met for the homeless, mentally ill and addicted/disabled community. We began with two converted homes in the Cottonwood, Arizona area which were used for the homeless community. Soon after, we were fortunate to be able to expand our services to assist the addicted and disabled community. Another component which was not being addressed was housing for individuals impacted by mental illness.

Expanded Services

In 2006, we were able to expand our services to do our part in the community to help this issue. Angie’s House is now a 10-home community serving the Northern Arizona area, though still based in Cottonwood. And still run by me and my team of volunteers! If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with any of these issues, please know we are here to help. Call us with questions! If we do not have the answer, we can probably connect you with someone who can. Wishing the best for you and your family,

–Angie

12 Questions

1. Where is the house located? Most facilities prefer to keep their address confidential until a resident is confirmed for placement, so they will only give you the town in which they are located.

Angie’s Answer: We have 10 homes, all centrally located in Cottonwood.

2. Are utilities included? Some houses include utilities in their pricing, and some charge a nominal fee so make sure you are clear and comfortable before you agree to move in.

Angie’s Answer: All utilities are included in our pricing.

3. Is it a shared or private room? Most other facilities only have shared rooms.

Angie’s Answer: Since we have 10 homes, we have many options available at any given time.

4. Is it just men, just women or co-ed? Most other facilities are men or women only so make sure you are clear before you agree to move in.

Angie’s Answer: Since we have 10 homes, we have many options available at any given time.

5. Are there kitchen facilities? Most facilities do have kitchen facilities onsite, though many do impose restrictions on use so make sure you are clear before you agree to move in.

Angie’s Answer: Yes, all of our 10 homes have complete kitchens on site, including pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc.

6. Is the house close to transportation? Most facilities are in outlying areas so residents must walk about a mile to reach the nearest bus stop.

Angie’s Answer: All of our 10 homes are within a few minutes walking distance from the closest bus stop.

7. Is the house pet friendly? Most facilities do not allow your pet to live with you in their homes.

Angie’s Answer: Most of our homes allow your pets to come with you, one even has a resident cat. Since we are sensitive to those with allergies, please ask us about our our current pet status in your specific house.

8. Is there free wifi available? Most facilities do offer wifi, though it is often only included as an additional fee (sometimes hidden in the move in costs).

Angie’s Answer: As of this writing, all but one of our homes do offer free wifi (though that should be changing very soon).

9. Is the room furnished? Most houses do not offer furnished rooms.

Angie’s Answer: All of the rooms in our 10 homes are furnished, and linens are provided, though if you have favorite bedding, please feel free to bring them with you!

10. Are there laundry facilities either on site or within walking distance? Most recovery houses do offer laundry facilities on site, but many transitional houses do not so be sure to ask before you agree to move in.

Angie’s Answer: Most of our 10 homes do have laundry facilities on site, though one is less than a block from those facilities (located at one of our other closest homes).

11. Is smoking allowed? Most other facilities allow smoking, though may be only in designated areas and times.

Angie’s Answer: All of our homes provide designated smoking areas, available at all times, though those areas are all outside.

12. What are the move-in costs? Most facilities require numerous hidden fees such as set-up fee, document fees, linen fees, etc.

Angie’s Answer: We have many programs, so move-in costs do vary, but we have no hidden fees. We gladly clarify all costs.