Recent studies indicate that a significant portion of individuals experiencing homelessness, around 38%, also face challenges with alcohol use disorders. However, at The Oaks, a welcoming shelter operated by Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa, Ontario, there is a heartening approach to addressing this issue that prioritizes compassion and understanding.

Adrienne Sesiakin, the shelter's senior manager, emphasizes the unique circumstances of the residents, many of whom have endured long-term homelessness and struggles with alcohol throughout their lives. In this nurturing environment, the focus is not solely on quitting but on providing a path to stability. The Oaks offers a Monitored Alcohol Program, where residents receive up to 15 drinks a day, allowing them to stabilize their relationship with alcohol while fostering a sense of community and dignity.

This innovative Managed Alcohol Program (MAP), in collaboration with Ottawa Inner City Health Inc., supports residents by providing medically regulated doses of alcohol. Christal Brownlee, the shelter’s program manager, explains that the individualized approach means the amount of alcohol can be tailored to meet each resident's needs. Typically, the program includes servings of white wine, with beer available as an alternative.

Every day, residents participate in a structured routine, checking in with staff and receiving their prescribed amounts of alcohol in a safe and supportive setting. This method not only helps individuals manage their consumption but also contributes to a significant reduction in overall alcohol use for many participants.

The Oaks has created a nurturing space where individuals can regain their sense of self-worth and community. For residents like Sim, who has faced the challenges of past traumas and years of homelessness, this program has been transformative. He shares how he learned to drink responsibly, a revelation that has profoundly impacted his life.

Sesiakin and her team firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, regardless of their circumstances or health challenges. This philosophy extends to their support services, which continue even after residents transition to permanent housing options where they receive ongoing assistance tailored to their unique needs.

Since its inception in 2010, The Oaks has opened its doors to individuals from all walks of life, with many coming from backgrounds that have historically struggled with abstinence-based recovery programs. The shelter stands as a testament to the importance of harm reduction, recognizing that different individuals require different levels of support on their journeys toward recovery.

Ray Macquatt, the former program manager, highlights the deep sense of belonging that many residents find at The Oaks. The shelter has become a home for those who choose to spend their final days in a place where they feel safe and cared for.

For younger residents, The Oaks provides not just a safe haven but also the promise of a brighter future. Those who choose to stay in the permanent housing program find a nurturing environment that fosters health and happiness.

Sesiakin acknowledges the complexities surrounding the Managed Alcohol Program but emphasizes the necessity of this approach. By offering regulated support, residents can avoid the dangers of unmonitored drinking and instead benefit from a caring community that prioritizes their well-being.

The stories from The Oaks are filled with hope and resilience. Residents like Matthew and John have found stability within the program, with Matthew sharing that this is the only place where he felt secure and committed to his recovery. John proudly notes that he is now at zero alcohol consumption, a testament to the positive impact of the program.

In the end, The Oaks stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with understanding and compassion, lives can be transformed. It is a place where individuals can reclaim their lives, free from shame and blame, and embark on a journey filled with promise and potential.