A ribbon-cutting this week will mark the reopening of two newly renovated buildings that will provide temporary housing for women in Washoe County working to overcome substance use challenges, mental health conditions and homelessness.
The Washoe County Human Services Agency's CrossRoads Program, in partnership with Grace Church, will host the River House reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at 480 Galletti Way, buildings 14 and 15, in Sparks.
The $2.5 million renovation project was made possible in part by a $700,000 donation from Grace Church. The church has donated more than $4 million over the past several years to support care programs across the region.
As many as 36 women will be able to participate in the CrossRoads Program while living in the River and Serenity homes. The program is designed to provide a structured, stable, alcohol and drug-free environment where women support one another while rebuilding their lives. Many participants are transitioning from homelessness.
Program leaders say daily accountability is central to the recovery process. Members work to establish routines, build stability, and develop skills needed to maintain housing, employment, and whole-person recovery. The program emphasizes community and connection while encouraging members to invest in themselves and support one another.
“Partnering with Washoe County to care for women in recovery is of high value to the people of Grace Church,” said Grace Church Executive Pastor Karen Durst. “We love these women and are honored to help provide a beautiful place for them to start their new lives in recovery. Addiction is real, and we all know that, but recovery is possible. We are grateful to have partnered with the Washoe County Human Services Agency to help make this project a reality!”
The CrossRoads Program began in 2011 and was restructured in 2016. According to the agency, 93% of participants leave the program for stable housing, 62% depart with sustainable income, savings, and financial management skills, 91% establish and remain engaged with primary health care services, and 98% establish and remain engaged with behavioral health care services. The average successful stay in the program is 10 months.
