A Bangor nonprofit that provides affordable housing to people recovering from addiction bought two new homes that will bring the organization’s capacity to 152.
Fresh Start Sober Living’s two new locations are on Ohio Street in Bangor, which has eight bedrooms, and on College Avenue in Orono, which has 12 bedrooms, according to Scott Pardy, the organization’s founder. Both are for men only.
The new homes will be the 16th and 17th locations for the organization, Pardy said, with most of them based in Bangor. Despite adding new houses every year, Pardy hasn’t seen demand slow.
He believes this constant demand could be due to the high number of drug overdose deaths both locally and statewide that are motivating people to get sober. Overdose deaths have climbed in recent years as illicit drugs like heroin have become laced with fentanyl, which can be fatal in small amounts.
“I think things are improving and Fresh Start has helped curb overdoses in Bangor by providing safe, affordable housing for people in recovery,” he said. “Housing is the base of the needs pyramid, and once you have that, you can move forward.”
It may also be the best housing option for someone earning minimum wage who’s looking for housing that will help them stay on their path to recovery, Pardy said.
“There is no affordable housing here for people making $20 an hour,” Pardy said. “Everything is so crazy. Studio or one-bedroom apartments go for $1,000 or $1,200 a month.”
In 2023 alone, 264 people moved into Fresh Start accommodations, according to Pardy. Some stay only for a day while others stay for years. In fact, Pardy said many don’t stay in Fresh Start housing long after moving in for the first time, but they are welcome to try again.
“Generally by their second or third time in, they get it,” Pardy said. “As long as people stay clean and sober, they can stay.”
Despite the high demand, Pardy doesn’t keep a waitlist because the window in which people are ready to detox and remain sober doesn’t stay open for long. This means if a room opens for someone who was seeking recovery a month ago, they may not be ready anymore.
Instead, Pardy advises people interested in moving in to continue calling the Fresh Start office so he knows they’re still interested.
“Our office is extremely busy,” Pardy said. “We’re getting 15 to 20 housing applications a week and people calling every single day.”
All of the organization’s bedrooms were full as of Monday.
“This is a huge blessing for the community and those going through a tough time with drugs and alcohol so they can get off the streets,” said Terry Dinkins, pastor of the Mansion Church in Bangor, which offers supplies and a warming center for people who are homeless. “I’d like to see more of that.”
More than one-third — or 35 percent — of Fresh Start’s residents were previously homeless, Pardy said. Others move into a house immediately after being released from incarceration.
Each of Fresh Start’s homes offers tenants their own bedroom, but residents share bathrooms and common spaces, such as the kitchen, living room and dining area.
Residents pay $165 a week, including utilities, Pardy said. Food isn’t included, but local churches donate food, sheets and towels, and hygiene products for anyone who needs them.
All tenants must adhere to a set of house rules, which prohibit the consumption or possession of alcohol and drugs. Residents also must work, go to school or volunteer, and follow their personal recovery plan as discussed during their entry interview and orientation.
Pardy is asking for donations, from furniture to household supplies, to stock the new homes. As of Monday, three people have already moved into the Ohio Street building, and another three people are poised to move into the accommodations as soon as they are ready.
Pardy said he’s working with the University of Maine to see if the Orono building would be a good option for any students in recovery who would do best in a living space free from alcohol and drug use.
