Phoenix Transitional Housing Program Provides A Safety Net For A Couple In Transition

“If it was not for the Phoenix Transitional Housing program allowing Brittany and I to stay here for that six months, I don’t believe that we would be sober today. I value the staff here – you guys are rocking it.”

“Having stability in housing allowed us to work on our relationship and build a healthy foundation for our life moving forward. It is a blessing, a safe house. For someone who really wants to stay sober, it is a great opportunity. Accountability is the major thing that the Phoenix House requires and how this place is run.”
Brian, former resident

Pictured: Brian and Brittany
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Ashley Sale, Phoenix Transitional Housing Program Manager, shared a story on Brian and his wife Brittany who were able to achieve stability living in the Phoenix House for six months before moving out to permanent housing. They had been living in their van for almost two months before transitioning into the Phoenix. Both Brain and Brittany found it very challenging trying to stay clean and away from former friends who were actively using while they were homeless.

The Phoenix provided supportive transitional housing that is recovery-based. While living there, Brian and Brittany received support, resources and assistance in securing permanent housing from the staff.

Ashley shared, “Brian lived in the Phoenix before I worked here but he was still using; this time around he had a good experience and remained clean and sober. Brian and his wife were able to support one another in transitional housing and were successful in achieving permanent housing in Spokane. They love their new place!”

Accountability
When Brian and Brittany were asked to share their favorite thing about participating in the Phoenix program, they both said, “The accountability factor was amazing.”

Brian said, “I believe the strengths at the Phoenix House right now are the interactions that staff have with new people that are coming in and the rapport that staff maintains with the residents moving out.

Staff hold you accountable for your actions, and you have to be responsible to stay here. The accountability keeps this place safe and secure. You need to stay on track or you won’t be successful.”

“The Phoenix helped me stay sober. I now have almost nine years of being clean from drugs and 11 years of being sober from alcohol,” Brian shared.

Brian added, “Transitioning into permanent housing and working through the Phoenix program helped Brittany and I save money so that if there is ever an emergency, we are set. I was so thankful, I felt like a little kid when we received all the resources. Now, I want to start school again.”

Brian’s Past
Brian’s youth included years of abuse from his mom and much trauma. He has risen out of his past and substance use disorder like a phoenix.

Over nine years ago, Brian came to stay at the Phoenix House but he was still struggling with substance abuse and did not remain at the house. He feels that the current Phoenix staff is very dedicated and has made so many improvements that allowed him the opportunity to learn new habits.

“Having stability in housing allowed us to work on our relationship and build a healthy foundation for our life moving forward. Without it, I don’t believe that the staff of Spokane Mental Health would be willing to outreach to us. This place saved my wife and me,” said Brian.

At one point, Brian had to go to the hospital and Brittany was worried and concerned about her husband. Staff went above and beyond to make sure she was informed and had transportation to the hospital to visit him.

Brian stated, “Ashley is a very compassionate and caring person. I have seen her help and give people stuff that was in the donation closet. She knows the gravity of the situation that some people are experiencing and makes sure their wellness and needs are met.”

Brittany’s Path
Brittany has been sober for over five years. She started using pain pills at 16 and her drug use built from there. “I used a little bit of everything in my past. Now that I have been sober, I am building back a relationship with my four children and family, and know that my family follows my sobriety on my Facebook site. My family is reconnecting and contacting me. So many doors keep opening,” Brittany said.

She added, “The Phoenix helped us in so many ways. Even if I look back at just last year to present day, we are growing leaps and bounds for sure. We are stronger together then when we are apart.” 

Everyone at Pioneer celebrates Brian and Brittany’s success. “They are such a sweet couple, who have been through so much! The staff here at the Phoenix are so happy to see them soar and be successful,” concluded Ashley.