Qualities to help choose the right location for starting a Modern Recovery house.

1. Walkable to jobs and easy access to public transportation

   1. Many of our people do not have automobiles.  They need to be able to get to jobs, stores, etc. on foot.  For longer journeys they need to be able to access public transportation.

2. Parking

   1. Best/worst case scenario is all people have an automobile.  Off-street parking that can accommodate everyone is desirable.  It’s rare that everyone has a car.  We usually see about %50 car ownership.  Street parking can draw unneeded ire from neighbors.

3. Multiple bathrooms

   1. A 3 people to 1 bathroom, or better, ratio at most is preferable.  More than 1 bathroom is an absolute requirement.  A large hot water heater is super ideal.

4. Neighbors need to be agreeable

   1. We have lots of tattooed scruffy guys coming and going at all hours.  We need neighbors that are not frightened or, better yet, completely oblivious.  We do not want neighbors calling police, code enforcement or any other agency.

   2. Lots of families with children are a yellow flag, mom and dad are gonna get understandably nervous

5. If renting, landlord must be agreeable

   1. Obviously we need land owners that are agreeable to our cause.  Better yet supportive.  The owner/rental agency needs to be aware of what we are doing.  We cant hide this.  Worst case is we setup shop and the landlord finds out and kicks everyone out.

   2. Its best if we can handle the interviewing and onboarding/offboarding process autonomously.  We allow people with felonies on their record.  No sex offenders.

6. Not in a bad neighborhood but not in a neighborhood where we’ll stand out.

   1. We don’t want to be in the ghetto where drugs are available on the corner nor do we want to be near where people might just drop by with something, but we can’t be in a super nice neighborhood where we’re going to stick out and be a nuisance to the surrounding rich people.  The police ARE GOING TO BE CALLED OCCASIONALLY.  We need a sweet spot of not too bad, not too nice, juuust right.

7. Tightly packed suburban neighborhoods are not ideal.

   1. Its best if there is some separation between us and the surrounding houses for privacy and noise considerations.  Wooded lots, extra vacant lots adjacent to us, extra large yards, hillside

   2. People are going to be outside smoking, talking, and profanities are going to be said

8. City or town zoning needs to be agreeable.

   1. We are in a housing crisis and we have to do what we have to do. We have no problem keeping things on the down low to skirt around city zoning restrictions but it’s best if we are in compliance.

9. Cost

   1. We are creative with what we consider a bedroom but we need to be in the $500/bedroom range.  Dining rooms, second living rooms, large walk in closets, any extra “room” can help to get us there.