The 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment by Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital listed substance abuse as one of the top 10 health problems facing the community. The need for addressing this epidemic has only increased since the 2020 pandemic. Prescription drugs, the resurgence of heroin, and the overdose epidemic makes confronting addiction in Columbus an urgent need for the health of our entire community. Addiction crosses all socio-economic lines, races, genders, and religious beliefs. A 2002 Department of Justice study showed the average active addict commits 140 felonies in 6 months time. Substance abuse directly or indirectly contributes to 85% of those incarcerated. 

At SafeHouse Ministries, we understand the damage addiction can cause in people’s lives and the interconnectedness of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. We seek to work to restore people to sobriety through counseling, employment support, and spiritual encouragement. We believe God has called us to love and serve those experiencing addiction and that their success is cause for rejoicing in our entire community.