The Department of Health and Community Services (“the Owner”) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from community-based organizations, mental health and addictions service providers, housing providers, peer support organizations, Indigenous organizations and representatives, municipal governments, and individuals and families with lived experiences, on the design and operation of recovery homes across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recovery homes are considered substance-free living environments designed to support individuals in their efforts to abstain from alcohol and other drugs and pursue personal growth and improved health and wellbeing. Recovery homes offer a temporary, structured, and supportive setting that empowers individuals, aged 18 and over, through peer support, professional guidance, and community engagement, to develop the skills and confidence needed to abstain from substance use, while reducing hospital stays and readmission rates and increasing connection to community supports.
A proven model for relapse prevention and long-term recovery, these homes promote individual autonomy with shared household responsibilities among people residing in the homes. The homes would offer 24/7 supervision and support and make the necessary provision and connection to health services where appropriate. The absence of recovery homes with wraparound supports for individuals leaving inpatient treatment and transitioning back in the community has been raised as a major need throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Department of Health and Community Services recognizes the capacity and expertise of local community-based organizations, as well as other stakeholders, in delivering health services to those in need. This RFI seeks to draw on this capacity and expertise to help inform a new partnership between community-based organizations and NL Health Services to design and operate recovery homes. The RFI will assist in the development of next steps for the establishment of Recovery Homes across the province.
