Oxford House provides a safe environment for those in recovery from addiction
Residents welcome guests to the October 13th open house

[October 15, 2023] 

On Friday, October 13th, an open house was held at Lincoln’s first Oxford House. Even though the weather was chilly and wet, the inside of the house was warm and friendly. Everyone had great energy, and whenever someone new would come to the door, one could feel the anticipation in the room to welcome them in.

Diamond Armstrong, a full-time staff member with Oxford House and temporary resident in this house, gave a tour, showing off the rooms of the house as well as explaining its day-to-day operations. Many people in the community may be concerned about the nature of Oxford House, as those living in it are on their journey of recovery from addiction. However, the house is incredibly organized both in appearance as well as how it operates.

Each new member of the house enters a probation period when joining. This period can last for thirty days, or however long the other members of the house think it should. During this probation period, the new resident has more strict curfew hours to make sure they make it home before it is too late in the evening. Once the probation period has ended, that resident may only come off probation if the other members of the Oxford House agree in a vote. The members of the house meet once a week to take care of business such as this, and also to support one another in recovery.

Everyone in the house has their own job. The Comptroller keeps track of rent, ensuring everyone has paid their share, as well as getting that money to the Treasurer for deposit into the house member’s joint checking account. The Coordinator assigns chores to all house members. If someone fails to do their job, chore, etc., then the first offense results in a verbal warning as well as a monetary fine. If the action happens a second time, that house member is put on contract. The contract is written by all house members and specifies an amount of time the house member must go without breaking it. For example, if the fine was issued for not completing chores, and that happens again, the contract may say the member must go a certain number of weeks without missing that chore. If the member breaks the contract, then they are asked to leave the house. Armstrong made sure to mention that contracts are not meant as a means of punishment. The contract is supposed to guide the member back into the house, not get them kicked out.

As for the house checking account, all house members will vote each week on what the money in the account is to be spent on, such as bills, for example. The account undergoes an audit at the end of each month to ensure that everyone is contributing their fair share, as well as making sure no money has gone missing.

Armstrong also shared the three manuals each Oxford House has. The first manual is a house manual. This manual lists the history and traditions of Oxford House as an organization. The second manual is a chapter manual. All Oxford Houses are a part of a local chapter. This particular Oxford House is a part of the Decatur chapter at the moment, but Armstrong shared the goal is to establish two other Oxford Houses in Lincoln. If that were to occur, each of the houses would be a part of a new Lincoln chapter. The members from each house in a chapter will get together monthly to discuss business, as well as provide support and understanding to one another.

Armstrong explained that an additional benefit to having an Oxford House be a part of a chapter is the fact that they can also contact one another for support. If a house is dealing with something they are not sure how to handle, they can reach out to another house in their chapter to ask for advice. The last manual is a state association manual. Every chapter in the state of Illinois comprises a state association. Representatives from each chapter will get together every two months to discuss business.

The tour of the house showed off every room, as well as the number of people it can accommodate. This Oxford House can house seven members, but at the moment, there are only two members living there, not including Armstrong. There are three single bedrooms and two double bedrooms. The house has a modest kitchen in which the members had prepared food for anyone who came to visit.

The current members of the house shared a bit about their experience living in the house so far.

Calen Ballard, the house President, began living in this house right around the time it opened, July 10th. For Ballard, this has been a learning experience. When explaining what he’s learned, Ballard said “I didn’t ever really focus on anybody else’s problems, let alone my own. It’s taught me that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s made me better understand what being a part of something greater than ourselves is actually like.” Ballard also shared that he has really loved the experience he has had at the Oxford House so far. He enjoys seeing new people join the house, and hates seeing people leave. Ballard shared that when he sees people leave, he’s afraid that they may be tempted to not stay on the path of recovery. “There is a way out from that lifestyle,” Ballard said. “This is a much better lifestyle.”

Ian Taylor, the other current resident at this Oxford House, shared his thoughts on his experience living here so far. Taylor has only been living at the house for about a month and a half, having moved in on August 5th. The word Taylor used to describe his experience was “rewarding.” He really appreciates the structure that Oxford House provides compared to living on his own. “Oxford House is the best step for me. I need to reestablish some kind of structure in my life before I can trust myself.” When asked how long he sees himself living here, Taylor shared that he does see himself living here long term. Taylor shared that Oxford House’s goal is not to help someone get clean, then send them out.

To anyone considering living at this Oxford House, or any for that matter, Ballard had this to say: “I’ve been where you’re at. I know how horrible that lifestyle is. This works. There is a way out from that lifestyle. Oxford House will give you the tools, the opportunity, and the means. All you have to do is the footwork, and we will be with you every step of the way.”

[Matt Boutcher]