Program standards
What to expect at Vera's Place, in plain language.
This is the summary every resident agrees to. The full Orientation Handbook is reviewed and signed at move-in. Read this before you apply or refer.
Who Vera's Place is for
- Adults coming directly from an inpatient (residential) drug and alcohol treatment program who are committed to sobriety and willing to take part in the program. A detox-only stay does not qualify on its own.
- No bed open? The Worx! Recovery Housing Bridge Program houses eligible people free of charge while they wait for a DDAP-licensed bed (Allegheny County residents with active Medicaid). Current residents can also be referred to its Recovery House Scholarship. the-worx--crm.web.app/willstan
- Men's House: licensed and accepting. Women's House: licensure in progress; waitlist open.
- Vera's Place does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Each house is single-gender under fair housing exemptions for recovery residences.
Cost
- $655 per month per bed, due on the 1st. No application fee, no security deposit, no program fees.
- Paid by money order, bank transfer (ACH), Zelle, or certified check. Cash is not accepted. A receipt is issued for every payment.
- Late fee of $10 per day after the due date, up to 5 days. If money is going to be a problem, tell staff before a payment is missed; a written payment plan is available.
- Drug and alcohol screenings are at no charge to the resident.
Medication and MAT
- Suboxone (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol (naltrexone) are supported, with prescribing and oversight through our clinical partnership with Allegheny Health Network (AHN).
- Methadone is not supported within the residence. We will help identify an appropriate level of care.
- All medications are declared at intake and taken only as prescribed. Sharing, hoarding, or misusing medication is treated as a relapse event.
Daily structure
- Curfew is 8:00 PM every day unless staff approves otherwise. Residents stay in the house overnight.
- One AA/NA or approved recovery meeting every day, and outpatient treatment at least three days a week.
- Daily chores, clean shared spaces, and a weekly house meeting where attendance is required and progress is recognized.
- Visitors are scheduled in advance, approved by staff, and stay in common areas. No overnight guests.
Work and money
- The first 72 hours are for settling in; no work during the stabilization period.
- Part-time work comes first, then full-time once stability is shown. Schedules are approved by staff and must end by 5:00 PM unless approved.
- No jobs in bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, or anywhere alcohol is the main business.
- Residents save 20% of each paycheck toward independent housing and report income honestly. Unemployed residents spend four hours a day with peer support on recovery and job readiness; employed residents meet with peer support one hour a day.
Substance use and relapse
- Zero tolerance for use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia. Random screenings can happen at any time; refusing a screen counts as a positive.
- A relapse leads to a drug and alcohol assessment and a clinical recommendation. Relapse does not automatically mean discharge; refusing the recommendation can.
- Immediate discharge: substance use or possession, criminal activity, weapons, or letting unauthorized people into the house.
Safety
- Narcan is on site at all times, clearly marked, and available to staff and trained residents.
- Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers throughout; evacuation drills; no open flames. Smoking only in the designated area.
- All incidents are documented and reported as DDAP requires.
Recovery Points
- Residents earn points for consistent meeting attendance, outpatient participation, chores, employment progress, and sobriety milestones (30, 60, 90 days and beyond).
- Points are redeemed for privileges and recognition, including Resident of the Month. Points never override house rules.
Resident rights
- Every resident has the right to dignity and respect, a safe and clean residence, privacy and confidentiality, clear expectations, fair and consistent enforcement, and to file a grievance without retaliation.
- Grievances are acknowledged within 3 business days and answered within 10. Residents may also contact the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs at any time: (717) 783-8200, ddap.pa.gov.
What Vera's Place is not
Vera's Place is a recovery residence, not a treatment program. We don't provide clinical services; residents get those from their outpatient provider and, for MAT, through our partnership with Allegheny Health Network. We're the safe, structured place to live while that work happens.