Testimonials

Melbourne Men's House

When I first came to live at The House of Extra Measures Sober Living, my life was in shambles. I had spent the last 20 years trapped in a relentless cycle of addiction, which had stripped away every semblance of hope, joy, and connection. My days were consumed by the hunt for the next fix, and my nights were filled with an overwhelming sense of despair. Homeless and aimlessly wandering the streets, I was a ghost of my former self, disconnected from family and friends, devoid of goals, and utterly without a will to live.

The moment I stepped through the doors of treatment, I was a broken person. I was exhausted—physically, mentally, and spiritually. The staff welcomed me with open arms, offering a sanctuary I desperately needed but never thought I deserved. Their kindness and understanding gave me a flicker of hope, a glimmer of light in the darkest period of my life.

The House of Extra Measures became my lifeline, offering the structure and discipline that I had lost sight of during my years of addiction. From the outset, they instilled in me the values of accountability, integrity, and perseverance. These principles became the bedrock of my recovery journey. Daily routines, chores, and responsibilities were not just tasks; they were lessons in reclaiming control over my life. Each day, I learned a little more about self-discipline, gradually rebuilding my shattered sense of self-worth.

One of the most pivotal steps in my recovery has been engaging with the 12-step program of Narcotics Anonymous. With the guidance of my sponsor, I began to confront my past, adaunting yet liberating process. The 12 steps provided a roadmap for my healing, helping me to face my mistakes, make amends, and develop a newfound sense of purpose. My sponsor’s unwavering support and wisdom were invaluable, guiding me through the most challenging moments. Today, I am proud to say that I have nine months clean and sober—an achievement that once seemed utterly out of reach.

Rebuilding relationships with my family and friends has been another profound transformation. My addiction had created deep rifts, filled with hurt and mistrust. Through honest conversations, apologies, and consistent efforts, I have started to mend these broken bonds. It
has been a slow and sometimes painful process, but each step forward fills my heart with hope and gratitude. The support and forgiveness from my loved ones have been incredible, and I cherish these renewed connections deeply.

The House of Extra Measures also ignited a new sense of ambition within me. They encouraged me to set goals and pursue my dreams, something I hadn’t done in decades. With their support, I enrolled in school to work towards my Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) degree. The thought of becoming a counselor and using my experiences to help others struggling with addiction fills me with a sense of purpose I never thought I would find again. My studies are challenging, but the knowledge that I am working towards a meaningful career drives me forward every day.

Being a part of the community at The House of Extra Measures has taught me the importance of giving back. I have become an active participant in local events, volunteer my time, and support my fellow residents. This sense of community has been transformative, helping me to understand the power of collective strength and mutual support. I have learned that I am not alone in this journey and that by helping others, I help myself.

My support network has been a cornerstone of my recovery. It includes my sponsor, fellow residents, and friends from recovery groups. This network provides constant encouragement, understanding, and accountability. We share our struggles and triumphs, lifting each other up and celebrating each milestone, no matter how small.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize none of this would have been possible without The House of Extra Measures. Their unwavering support, guidance, and structure provided the foundation for my recovery. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, offering opportunities and resources when I had none. They taught me the importance of discipline, accountability, and integrity, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Looking to the future, my goals are clear. I will continue to work towards my LCDC degree, and once achieved, dedicate myself to helping others in their recovery journeys. I am committed to living a life of integrity, accountability, and service, always remembering the second chance that The House of Extra Measures gave me. My dream is to give back to the recovery community, offering the same support and guidance that was so generously given to me.

This journey has been fraught with challenges, but it has also been filled with profound growth and transformation. For the first time in years, I am hopeful and excited about the future. My life is a testament to the power of recovery and the incredible impact of a supportive
community. The House of Extra Measures has given me the tools, the courage, and the hope to reclaim my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Patrick H.-Alumni

Hoskins Women's House

I remember the day I was leaving Santa Maria to come to House of Extra Measures and I was scared. I had just gotten used to the craziness of Santa Maria. When I got to the house and met all the ladies, the whole being scared thing just lifted. I have never been around such genuine and supporting women. Nobody was pretending or faking being welcoming and supportive. It was truly a great feeling and a relief to be around a group of amazing women that truly want to see you win. Being at HEM I've learned love, the kind of love only sisters have with each other. I learned to hold myself accountable for every little thing I do. I learned everyday chores are a must and cant be something to put off. I learned how to keep my household clean. Having all this structure in my life has taught me so much about how if I'm going to do something, I should do it to the best of my ability. I've also found my self worth at HEM. I know I'm going to be the best mom ever to my boys because of what i learned at HEM. I love House of Extra Measures and I'm going to miss being here. I'm going to miss all the women who taught me that sisterhood is real. I love all of them so much and I'm thankful to each and every one of the ladies. I've learned that life is truly amazing and that I've got this and that I'm going to be okay.

Kim B.- Resident

In early 2021 I was struggling through 1 year of COVID measures, working and being isolated at home. I was drunk and high pretty much every minute of every day for months on in. I was living with an abusive boyfriend; I had wrecked most relationships with my family and I was absolutely miserable. I checked into rehab 3/29/21 and upon discharge in April I moved to House of Extra Measures. Since moving into the house, I resumed my old job and obviously my performance has improved and been rewarded. I was able to have my daughter over every week for at least and night and our relationship is better than ever. I have reconnected with my sister after nearly 4 years of no contact. I was able to be involved and present when my grandma passed away in January. I was hired as the RA in our house in December 2021.

Living at this house has taught me how to be responsible and accountable for my words and actions. Encouraged me to complete the AA 12 steps, put my recovery first and the rest of the good things eventually fall into place. I have learned how to navigate health relationships, establish boundaries, expand my community and be a part of group.

Deanna Wexler, the house manager has made the biggest impact on my success in sobriety. She has shown me fist hand how to live a fun, happy life as a strong woman in recovery. She is always there to bounce ideas off and guide me to good choices. I wouldn’t have been as successful without her in my day-to-day life. I have been sober since March 30,2021. I am working on paying off debts, saving money to live on my own with my daughter and trying find a more fulfilling and higher paying job.

Laura F.- Resident

23rd St. Men's House

In March of 2021, I came to House of Extra Measures at my rock bottom, no family, no trust, no money, no job, absolutely nothing to my name. I came with more of a willingness than I had ever had before, because I was finally sick and tired of being sick and tired. This would have been my 5^th sober living home in the past decade. Along with that, I had been to 4 inpatient rehab facilities, 5 times inpatient at detox facilities, and 4 times hospitalized for overdoses in the year prior to moving into HEM. I was truly at the end of my rope and was ready for it to end. Unfortunately, I still had a few more months of screwing up left in my because I relapsed while in the 23^rd street house and was kicked out. Fortunately for myself, through arduous work and accountability, Jeffrey, Ralph, and Buck allowed me to redeem myself and return to the Melbourne house on June 10, 2021. This is where my recovery truly began.

Since moving into HEM, I have had plenty of success with jobs, legal issues, family problems, friends, building my accountability and sense of responsibility. I have profoundly changed every aspect of my life. Today, I am at a job that I love, that truly values the work that I do and what I contribute to the company. I have my own 2-bedroom apartment that I do not miss payments on. I have my own vehicle that is beyond anything that I ever dreamed I would have. I actually maintain full coverage insurance today which is a miracle in itself. I have the most amazing dog I rescued off the streets, who has also contributed greatly to my recovery. I actually found him walking on the train tracks while living in the Melbourne house and could not bring myself to leave him there and it was the best decision I have ever made. He is the most important thing in my life and helps me keep my life going in the right direction.

I owe almost all of this success to living at HEM. House of Extra measures taught me how to be responsible. It also taught me how to be an adult, as well as a man. I learned how to take responsibility for my actions and handle my problems as they come rather than push them away, “out of sight out of mind.” I would say that my house manager Jeffrey had the biggest influence on my recovery and my overall life while in the house. He was truly a model for what I strived to be and to achieve. His spiritual and mental discipline is beyond anything I ever knew. It gave me a profound sense of respect for him and helped me to strive to be more like him, which I feel was particularly important to my recovery.

Currently, as of June 10, 2024, I have 3 years clean and sober. I never imagined that I would have achieved this level of recovery. As far as goals go, I want to continue growing spiritually, physically, and mentally, and keep doing what I am doing. I am very happy with my life as it is today, and plan to continue on the path laid out for me by my higher power. I appreciate this opportunity to share my recovery journey and success.

Kevin A.- Resident

Truscon Women's House

When I first came to The Houses of Extra Measures, I just had a little over a month clean and learning all about recovery for the first time. I had an open CPS case, no place to stay, no job or car, basically nothing to my name. I had lost everything and had been beaten down by my addiction. While in the house, I got full custody of my daughter back, a car, a job-within the house as a manager and then switched over to doing Business Development, which left the time for me to finish my Bachelor of Social Work degree. I am currently looking for full term employment as a social worker, hoping to go into mental health and addiction. I have grown a strong relationship with my family as well. They trust and depend on me for things once again, which is an amazing feeling. This house has taught me to look within myself, work a strong program, call my sponsor, go to meetings, as well as no matter what to keep on going, even on the bad days. Keep doing the next right best thing no matter what, and things will get better. Ralph is truly and amazing guy, he is always there to help whenever necessary if you need it, super ambitious and very hard working. I look up to that, seeing how much work he puts into his recovery and the houses is truly inspiring. It honestly makes me want to possibly have a sober living one day, where I can have it run similarly to the way he does The Houses of Extra Measures. This is my first time in recovery and as of today 8/1/22 I have 16 months sober. My future goals, like I stated above is going into the mental health and addiction field to help others. Once I land a full-time job, I plan to move into my own place with my daughter and I. I also plan to go back to school to pursue my master’s degree in social work as well, to become a LMSW and be a therapist in the same field. The House of Extra Measures helped me find my path again and lead me to where I am today. Without them and God, I wouldn’t be in the position of being able to help others and have found my purpose in life. So beyond grateful!

Sarah S.-Resident

I was blessed and privileged to be a resident at The House of Extra Measures for 7 months. In that relatively short period of time I changed for the better so much that I hardly recognize myself and I could not be happier. Because I lived in a high structured, high accountability house I was able to not only stay clean for the longest time I’ve ever had but I was also able to recover from my seemingly hopeless state of mind. The house taught me how to take responsibility for myself, how to communicate in a healthy and constructive manner, to have integrity, the importance of lifting up the people around you, how to be a good friend and woman, but most importantly it taught me self-love and that I have inherent worth. I will always be forever grateful for the life that The House of Extra Measures has allotted me and will never forget where I received that life from.

Steph P.- Resident