People experiencing homeless and substance use issues were eligible to enroll in a two-stage treatment program. During the first stage, participants were in day-treatment programming for 5.5 hours each weekday and resided in shelters or other temporary housing that participants secured through referrals to other agencies. Programming included group and individual therapy and coaching focused on helping participants address their substance use issues. After the two-month first stage concluded and participants demonstrated at least two weeks of sobriety (as evidenced by drug-free test results), they could enter the second stage. The second stage provided participants with paid work experience, including on-the-job training in the construction sector, and low-cost rental housing. The second stage lasted for four months, after which the program phased out the paid work experience and helped participants gain regular employment. Participants had to continue to abstain from drug use to remain eligible for program-provided housing and could remain there indefinitely after completing both stages of treatment. In addition, the program encouraged people who had completed the two stages to attend aftercare services at the administering agency or in the community. These services focused on relapse prevention and related topics.
The program took place in Birmingham, AL.
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