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Structured Independent Living Program “MACV truly helped me find myself and regain my dignity and self-respect . . I believe in MACV and am here today because of their help.” Vietnam veteran
Structured Independent Living Houses – Sponsor one today and make a positive difference in our community by providing independence to a veteran who otherwise could be living on the street!
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans offers Structured Independent Living Houses for many of our clients who show a desire to live a sober life after drug and alcohol treatment. The length of stay varies, and is dependent on the circumstances, but the maximum stay is two years (including time spent in other MACV programs). The program name is significant because it combines two important concepts: Independence and Structure. SIL House residents have been deemed eligible and appropriate for independent living. This means that they are responsible for the management of the normal duties that arise in almost any other independent housing environment.
The program is basically simple; yet following it is not always easy. We know from experiences that recovery is too often lost amid the pressures of daily living. Without structure, discipline and a supportive environment the recovering person may become discouraged, confused and revert to the old ways of thinking and behaviors and ultimately relapse. Conversely, the personal experience of the power of a 12-step recovery program and the benefits that follow becomes its own motivation for continued sobriety and growth.
Too often the focus can be diverted to fixing a single problem such as resolving a legal difficulty, repairing a relationship or finding a job. All effort is given to the single task and total recovery is side tracked.
While providing a home-like environment and assistance in coordinating other needs to develop a personal plan for total recovery, we believe that the person who adopts a 12-step recovery program and puts it into action in their daily living will see their difficulties resolved and will have peace and joy in their lives.
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans provides a structured program that gives the homeless veteran the support to again become a productive member of the community, the knowledge that the community cares, and the confidence to build relationships. It is intended to give back to veterans the way of life she or he fought to preserve. Life in the SIL houses is NOT a preparation—it is an experience of life as it really is. Life requires a balancing of rights and responsibilities. Life is interplay of work and reward. Life is the price and product of freedom.
MACV has eight SIL Houses located in St. Cloud, Richfield, and Minneapolis. Currently some houses are sponsored with funding by Wells Fargo Bank, Donaldson Company and the Disabled American Veterans. We are grateful for their support. If you would like more information on how you or your organization can sponsor a house, please contact Kathy Vitalis at kvitalis@mac-v.org or call 651.291.8756.
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