Rutledge House

Rutledge House is a safe, sober, transitional living facility for single women who are homeless. This cooperative living arrangement is designed to help women maintain sobriety and work towards self-sufficiency.

The primary concern for every resident is sobriety. Every resident actively participates in maintaining sobriety by enrolling in a structured program, attending regularly scheduled appointments with a counselor, or attending self-help meetings. In addition, Rutledge House encourages residents to develop a mutual support system amongst themselves.

Since the time needed to adjust to living in recovery differs for each individual, the length of stay is indefinite, provided the resident is in compliance with house rules. Residents cannot use or sell alcohol or drugs or engage in any violent behavior. Residents must find employment or enroll in a training or education program.

The coordinator of Rutledge House, having extensive knowledge of local programs and agencies, acts as a liaison between residents and outside resources, making recommendations and referrals. The coordinator creates an awareness of Open Pantry's comprehensive programs and those of area agencies which provide case management, medical/mental health services, substance abuse counseling, job training/placement, education, self-help programs, and recreation.

The coordinator works with the women to foster cooperative living skills and how to manage the house by consensus. The residents learn the financial responsibilities necessary to maintain a household, including budgeting and balancing bank accounts.

Rutledge House provides women who are homeless and in recovery an opportunity to regain autonomy in society. Rutledge is home to six women at a time and in 2007, 11 women used the services of Rutledge House.

Rutledge House
16 Rutledge Ave
Springfield MA 01107
Ph: (413) 746-8701
Fax: (413) 737-6811

Carol Allan, Program Director
rutledge@openpantry.org

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