New funding from the California state budget will help the Alcoholics Rehabilitation Association (ARA) better serve the City’s residents as they seek to re-enter society after achieving sobriety. Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced the organization will receive $2.5 million to address deferred maintenance needs and make capital improvements at its 47-bed residential facility, ARA First Step Home, on Haight Street. Serving clients since 1955, it is in dire need of repair and renovation.
“ARA has helped thousands of people in our community successfully regain their lives with supportive housing, job searches, and counseling. The need for these services is great, and the state funding I championed ensures my district will continue to have re-entry programs available for decades to come,” said Ting.
The announcement comes during National Recovery Month, which represents an opportunity to recognize the strength and resilience of individuals who have triumphed over addiction. ARA First Step Home plays a major role in a person’s successful recovery, providing up to two years of transitional housing in a sober environment and other vital assistance for integration back into the community.
“For nearly seventy years, ARA has been helping men and women learn how to stay sober and live a better life. I know this because they helped me,” said Executive Director Deborah Lima. “Our 100-year-old home really needs a lot of work, so our residents can stay and get the help they need. I am so grateful to Assemblyman Ting for partnering with us to rebuild.”
ARA is completely self-supporting, relying on resident fees and donations from the recovery community, including former clients. Originally built 1900, the home is in need of a new roof and plumbing, as well as upgrades to the boiler and electrical systems.
The project is expected to start by next summer.