Resurrection Power expanding its reach
Resurrection Power is hoping to expand its physical presence in Washington by acquiring a third house for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts.
And the reason is simple: There has been an increased demand for housing, not just among those in recovery, but also parents desperate to help their lost loved ones.
“It’s hard for me personally when people call looking for a place to stay, and I don’t have a bed available,” said the Rev. Robert Hedges, executive director of Resurrection Power, an outreach ministry established in 2001 by a group of Presbyterian pastors to provide recovering men and women with a safe, supportive, structured and spiritual environment as they work through a 12-step program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
However, Resurrection Power’s mission has grown considerably since then to promote prevention and education advocacy for families, especially those struggling to deal with drug addiction.
That message is paramount today, Hedges said, considering that more than 60 people died in 2013 as a result of overdoses either of heroin or a combination of prescription medication.
“If there’s one thing and one reason we do what we do, it’s to approach addiction and substance abuse with more than education, treatment and law enforcement. That’s not enough. You need the spiritual aspect,” said Hedges, who is recovery himself.
“We don’t do hard-core evangelism. Even if they have a dysfunctional image of God, it’s a good place to start,” Hedges said. “If they feel God’s call from the start, they tend to remain longer.”
Resurrection Power owns two houses in the city of Washington: Resurrection House for women and Serenity House for men. Each accommodates 10 to 11 residents. All residents, Hedges said, are committed to their recovery.
To be eligible, they must be clean for one month and either be employed, receiving outpatient treatment or attending school. Each resident pays rent, which includes all utilities and cleaning supplies, and during the summer, they are responsible for outdoor maintenance.
Residents also participate in morning devotions, and attendance at a weekly Bible study or a lesson from a “Purpose Driven Life” is encouraged, but optional.
“We aren’t landlords. If they don’t follow the rules or relapse, they’ve got to go,” said Hedges, noting, however, that very few residents relapse.
And, as Kim McDemus, president of Resurrection Power’s board of directors, pointed out, the homes aren’t halfway houses.
“They pay rent, and they buy their own food. It’s a nice transition if they don’t have a strong background or healthy family situation,” she said.
A house manager, who also is in recovery, maintains order in the homes and helps residents to stay clean. “They’re here to maintain an environment,” Hedges said. “What happens is up to the people in the house.”
Resurrection Power also realizes some people need longer to work through their recovery, so there is no timetable for residents to leave. Hedges said residents must be given ample time to work through the seasons of recovery, such as a death, sickness and the holidays.
“The longer a person stays in a structured environment, the better their recovery will be,” Hedges said.
Since Resurrection Power is faith-based, the organization relies on monetary donations, as well as volunteer services. It will kick off its fundraising campaign for its third home at a Breakfast Banquet April 5 at the George Washington Hotel.
The new house must be easily accessible to public transportation and big enough to comfortably house at least 10 people.
“We want the addict to be treated with dignity. How else do you expect them to rise above that?” McDemus said. “We’re here to walk them through the skills of life.”
That’s why Hedges also leads the Washington County Recovery House Association. Its goal is to avoid overcrowding and increase the standards of recovery houses. The association operates five of the county’s 12 three-quarters houses.
“I always say, I have a scheme,” Hedges said, “but God has a plan.”
Resurrection Power will hold a Breakfast Banquet at 9 a.m. April 5 at the George Washington Hotel to raise money to acquire a third recovery house in Washington. Table sponsorships for eight people cost $200; individual tickets are $25. Reservation deadline is Tuesday. To purchase tickets, contact the Rev. Robert Hedges at 724-328-2943 or rhedges@resurrection-power.org. For more information about Resurrection Power, visit its website, www.resurrection-power.org.