Freebirds adding beds to aid recovery

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A Wabash Valley facility to help people recovering from alcohol and drug addictions prepares to expand. It comes as two other similar places have closed for good in the last three months.

The work of building beds continues, one board at a time. Each bed built means one more recovering addict who can build his or her life into something meaningful.

"There are many many people who need help, who want help," said Freebirds Executive Director Teri Evans. "Having help at the time when they're ready for help is so important."

Having that help at the right time is tough. Right now, the Freebirds Solution Center in Terre Haute has a 2 to 3 month waiting list for people wanting to live in a sober living environment.

"Now it's really getting long," said Evans.

It's a list that is a lot longer since the Fellowship House closed in April and the 28 Day House closed in late July.

"When the Fellowship House closed down, we started thinking we got to do something," said Freebirds Operations Director Jack Tanner. "Then the 28 Day House, they broke the news on us they were closing down. That was the icing on the cake."

So Freebirds is replacing some of their single beds with bunkbeds. It adds the ability to house an extra 16 people in on-site dormitories. That's a big addition to the 40 people that live there now.

With the recent closings of other facilities, Freebirds is the only place where women looking to get help in Vigo County can live.

So while some may just see beds, it means a lot more for those volunteering to make them.

"These are people's lives at stake," said Evans. "So this is a chance at a new life for 16 people. In the course of a year, we would turn these beds over at least 3 or 4 times, so that's a lot more people who have a chance at recovery, that's a big difference."

Freebirds is a faith-based group that operates through rent paid by its residents, and local grants and donations.

With all the new beds, they say they're in need of twin sheets, blankets and pillows. They all are looking for a good paint sprayer to help them paint the beds.

Freebirds is located at 145 E. Voorhees Street in Terre Haute. If you would like more information on their services or how to donate items, give them a call at (812) 232-1700. Or you can send an email to Freebirdevans@AOL.com.