Downtown Community Ministry

Bulletin

1st May 2007

Wet house research trip begins…

Downtown Community Ministry’s Director Stephanie McIntyre embarks this Friday on a seven week trip to research operational issues in the management of wet houses.

Stephanie travels on a Churchill Fellowship grant to America, Canada, Ireland and England where wet houses are accepted as an effective strategy supporting chronic alcoholics and the community services that are used by them.

She will speak to managers and staff about the challenges and issues in the setup and day to day operations of the facility.

At one facility, Anishinabe Wakiagun in Minneapolis, Stephanie will stay on site for two nights to get a real taste of how it is run.

Anishinabe Wakiagun provides permanent supportive housing for up to 40 late stage chronic alcoholics.

The residential centre aims to minimise the harmful consequences of residents’ drinking patterns, while providing a stable, culturally appropriate living environment which encourages a reduction in alcohol consumption.

Wellington’s proposed wet house has received key funding from Wellington City Council and Capital and Coast District Health Board and is being led by members of the Homeless Prevention Steering Group.

On her return, Stephanie will report to the Churchill Fellowship committee and a summary will be made publicly available.

ENDS