By Ben Mace

Jim Martin says that the Oxford House soon to open its doors in the Smyrna area is “a viable model that works.” He says it helps people recovering from substance abuse and helps former prison inmates from returning to a life of crime – all without government assistance.
He’s getting to be an expert on this topic, after working with Oxford House Outreach to open several of the 22 Oxford Houses in Delaware.
And that would be quite an accomplishment for someone who was homeless himself – less than two years ago – before moving to an Oxford House in Wilmington.

Martin was once married. He has three children, and he owned a carpentry business for about 10 years. “I think I was a functional alcoholic,” he said. “I drank, but I was able to do what I needed to do.” Then he injured his back.

“The combination of the alcohol and the pain killers sent me over the edge. I lost my business. I lost my marriage. I couldn’t see my kids. I lost everything.” Then he found Oxford House.

What Oxford House gives a former homeless person or prison inmate is an address and the chance to get started at a job, even if the resident is making minimum wage. The required amount for rent and household expenses is usually $100 per week. The housemates also help support each other in the struggle to stay sober, and are charged with the responsibility to evict a resident who is caught using alcohol or drugs again.

Oxford House success stories
Along with himself, Martin knows many people who have used Oxford House to get back on their feet. “Sometimes a mistake with substance abuse can almost be life ending,” said Martin. “Someone does something stupid, gets arrested, and goes to jail. When they get out, where do they go? Employers won’t hire you if you don’t have an address. You need transportation to get to work. Oxford House is giving people the resources to turn themselves into productive citizens again.” Martin said recent studies following Oxford House residents for more than two years found that about 70 percent of Oxford House residents stay sober, compared to about 10 percent of those who had stayed at a traditional government-operated halfway house. “And we’re not costing the taxpayers a dime,” said Martin. “We’re renting these houses ourselves, paying our own way.” Martin can cite dozens of examples of Oxford House success stories.

ABOUT OXFORD HOUSE
The first Oxford House for people recovering from substance abuse was started by a group of men in Silver Spring, Md., in 1975. Now that number has grown to 1,352 Oxford Houses, including some for women, in 44 states. The basic rules for the residents are: everyone pays an equal share of household expenses, decisions affecting the group are decided by a majority vote, and anyone using alcohol or drugs must be evicted.

Jim Martin is organizing the opening of the Oxford House for men recovering from substance abuse on Wheatley’s Pond Road near Carter Road, just outside of Smyrna town limits. A nationwide program, Oxford House has 22 homes in Delaware.

Martin said that anyone interested in the Oxford House program or in applying to live at the home on Wheatley’s Pond Road can call him at (302) 377-0485. More information on Oxford House is also available on the website, www.oxfordhouse.org. Article reprinted courtesy of Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times: Thu Dec 17, 2009, 11:38 PM EST: www.scsuntimes.com.