JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Riverside is known for its beautiful homes, but one house at 2911 Riverside stands out for a different reason. It offers hope for people getting back on their feet after addiction.
News4Jax toured the home and found a place where people anchor themselves on a 12-step program.
The house features cozy rooms, sleek bathrooms, and a kitchen that feels like home. Zach Campbell, executive director at Riverside Traditions House, gave the tour. He said, “We’ve got an amazing cook, Ronnie that cooks three meals a day for these guys.”
Walking through the home Campbell explained some of the living arrangements, “This one are two man rooms.” When asked what sober living is, Campbell said, “So sober living is kind of like a group home where men and women, men in this case, will stay where there’s some rules, there’s some structure. You’re required to stay sober. You know, we’ll have random drug testing, you’ll have a curfew, just, just a little more structure to help kind of get you back in the swing of things.”
The home offers amenities like a workout area, basement, TVs, and a dining area—all for $180 a week. Campbell said, “I mean, we’re $180 a week. You really can’t beat that in the Riverside area.”
The 12 steps displayed near the kitchen are central to the program. Campbell said, “Most of the people that have come through here that have had the most success have gone through the 12 Steps themselves, and that’s going to be getting sponsor, working meetings, doing service work. So we’re a big believer in that.” While it’s not a requirement, it is a strong suggestion for people often leaving treatment centers.
Campbell shared his own experience, saying, “When I was trying to figure my own life out, I didn’t know these places exist. I spent two years in homeless shelters because I didn’t know you could go to places like this, but it’s not a difficult process.”
Campbell said it is simply, “Just give them a call.” The number is (904) 384-1839.
Campbell added, “Nine times out of 10, yes, between us, between Oxford house, city house, there’s so many in Jacksonville that you will find a spot if you want to get help.”
When asked what success looks like for someone leaving the home, Campbell said, “It’s about connecting with other people.”
For a list of other sober living options in our area you can click on this link.