Former PAAC House residents find hope and housing after sudden closure

Charleston, W.Va. — An abrupt closure at a Charleston recovery home last week left residents searching for a new place to stay, but members of the local recovery community stepped in to help keep many of them on track.

PAAC House closed its doors Friday after funding issues left employees unpaid for nearly a month, displacing 14 residents, many of whom were still in early sobriety.

For former resident John Boso, the closure came after weeks of uncertainty.

“Services started dropping off, we’d have less counseling, less things going on,” Boso said. “And then before we know it, it’s like, you’ve got to find somewhere else to go.”

Caroline Paxton, a founder of the nonprofit True Freedom, said the sudden disruption raised immediate concerns about residents’ stability.

“I think especially in early sobriety, that’s really stressful for anyone. And so our biggest concern was we want to make sure they were able to continue to stay sober and continue on this like recovery journey,” Paxton said.

Paxton and fellow True Freedom founder Michael Paxton said they already knew many of the men through the nonprofit’s meetings. When they learned the residents had just four days’ notice to find new housing, they began working to secure placements — a process that often involves applications, interviews and fees.

They connected with HopeWorks, a recently opened home, and worked to fast-track interviews the next day. HopeWorks Director Catherine Tyler said she fortunately had many beds open and their transition has been smooth so far.

“They’re doing great so far,” said Tyler. “They are already buddies from the PAAC House, and I think that’s going to be really good for them.”

Six of the men were able to stay together, something former residents said has been critical to their recovery.

“It’s awesome that we’re all together,” one resident said. “Brotherhood was the biggest thing we had going for us. That was the only thing we were sure of.”

The men said despite the sudden closure, due to securing placements they have been able to continue attending meetings and focusing on recovery.

Several residents said they feared the disruption could have pushed them backward in their recovery.

“I was hopeless thought I was going to go right back to the life I was living then bam Mike and Caroline to the rescue it was great,” Alden Smith said.

“I thought I had come all this way for nothing,” said Christian Taylor.

Michael Paxton said helping the men find stability has been worth every effort.

“Just to know these guys, know that they’re safe and they have a place they’re loved. You know, they still have another chance at life,” he said.

Those involved encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to reach out to True Freedom.