After nearly seven years of sobriety, Laina never expected to find herself starting over.
When she lost both her job and her housing within a short period of time, the overwhelming weight of those life changes led to a relapse after years in recovery. Over the next two years, she moved in and out of treatment, determined to find lasting stability. In early 2026, she was introduced to Healing Housing.
She arrived on February 26, unsure what to expect after previous sober living experiences that hadn’t been the right fit. What she found was something different.
Beyond housing, Healing Housing surrounded Laina with intensive outpatient treatment, recovery meetings, life skills programming, creative experiences, and a community committed to helping women rebuild every part of their lives. From grocery support to songwriting workshops, arts programming, and daily recovery circles, she discovered a place that invested in her as a whole person.
One of the most meaningful parts of her experience has been Spiritual Formation, a weekly gathering led by longtime volunteer Pat Ralls. As someone who identifies as an atheist, Laina initially worried the program would feel heavily religious. Instead, she found an environment built on curiosity, respect, and open conversation.
Rather than promoting one belief system, Spiritual Formation creates space for women to explore healing, purpose, shame, resilience, and personal growth from their own perspectives. Through guided discussions, meditation, and conversations inspired by a variety of voices and authors, participants are encouraged to reflect without fear of judgment.
For Laina, that freedom has been transformative.
The opportunity to openly explore difficult recovery concepts—especially those connected to spirituality in the Twelve Steps—has helped her engage with her recovery in ways she never had before. Having someone willing to listen without trying to change her beliefs has allowed her to grow emotionally and spiritually on her own terms.
Today, Laina says Healing Housing has given her far more than a place to live. It has given her a community where every recovery journey and every spiritual path is respected—creating the kind of belonging that makes lasting healing possible.
