FORT SMITH, Ark. — Harbor House has been helping men and women begin their path to recovery since the late 1960’s.
The men's facility, in Fort Smith, also known as “The Big Red House," is now undergoing renovations, and Harbor House invited members of the community to the location to celebrate.
"In the past it has been ‘make do,'” Harbor House CEO Carl Norris said. “‘Make this into an office, make this into a dorm room, patch this thing in the kitchen, and do the best we can’, but a couple of years ago, the dream of having a more modern, and larger facility was part of our strategic plan."
Expected to be completed in the Summer of 2025, Harbor House is expanding to meet the needs of residents seeking help with addiction and substance abuse.
The 112-year-old building, which was once the Rosalie Tilles Children’s Home, will soon be expanded to host more residents. The building will also have a new library, a new kitchen and a medication area.
“When complete, we will then be able to house 44 men in treatment and a much more modern facility,” Norris said. “There will be a new dining hall and kitchen facility which can also be used in the evenings for AAA meetings, community type meetings, and other things," Norris said.
Kirk Duboise, the Director of Residential Services at Harbor House, who was once a client of Harbor House himself, is now working to help others face addiction.
“As I look back over my time as a client and my time as an employee, one thing stands out and that's the people that work here are what make it special,” Duboise said. “We've always operated in this old Red House, kind of as best you can, and now thanks to this remodel and addition, we're going to be able to adequately serve the people in this community."
Lisa Myers, whose son passed away just three months ago from substance abuse, says that Harbor House is a good cause.
“You know, my son died three months ago,” Myers said. “He's been in this facility many times and all of the staff members remember him. I just want to say thank you and that all your effort just to even save one life would be worth it."
According to officials at the Harbor House, the project is expected to cost around $5 million and was paid for with grant money.
Those looking to help Harbor House’s cause can visit their website at www.harborhouse.inc.
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