Frequently Asked Questions
Organization facts and insights to our operations
FAQ
Q: What are the different programs that the Houston Recovery Center offers?
The Houston Recovery Center delivers three services:
- The Sobering Center opened April 10, 2013 as a diversion from jail for public intoxication and now serves as a resource for hospital emergency departments and the community with impaired citizens. This is considered a brief intervention for individuals with a substance use issue.
- Partners in Recovery launched April 1, 2014 offering its flagship level of care with 18 months of recovery support through the Personal Addiction Recovery Team (PART) and Recovery Assistance Program (RAP). It later added Pre-Recovery Engagement Program (PREP) and Personal Recovery Support (PRS) levels of care to interact with different target populations.
- Public Intoxication Transport team (PIT) launched May 1, 2016 in response to the Kush epidemic in the homeless population. In conjunction with the City of Houston, Houston Police Department and management districts a two month pilot was continued into an ongoing street intervention for public intoxication.
Last updated: 11/24/17
Q: Where can I find the official documentation for the Houston Recovery Center?
Click on the links for documentation and statutes regarding the Houston Recovery Center:
- Texas Transportation Code Chapter 431
- Texas Business Organizations Code Chapter 22
- Texas Business Organizations Code Chapter 22
Last updated: 12/10/13
Q: Who owns the Houston Recovery Center?
The Center is a local government corporation formed and owned by the City of Houston.
Last updated: 10/23/13
Q: How is the Center funded?
The Sobering Center operations are funded by the City of Houston. Partners in Recovery was initially funded by the CMS 1115 Waiver and now seeks funding to sustain its programs. PIT received funding from the Downtown, Midtown and Near Northside Management districts.
The Houston Recovery Center welcomes individual contributions to support the best services for our clients. You can make a difference in recovery by clicking on the link below.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: How are the Board Members selected?
They are recommended by the Mayor and approved by City Council.
Last updated: 10/23/13
Q: Who is responsible for the day-to-day activities?
The Executive Director, Leonard Kincaid.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: How does one get admitted?
An individual can be brought in by any law enforcement agency in Houston for public intoxication. They are taken to the center in lieu of going to jail. Individuals can be referred by hospitals and can walk-in to the Sobering Center.
Q: Can I take a family member/loved one to the Sobering Center?
Family and friends can bring someone to the center that is currently intoxicated for sobering services, which includes: being safely monitored and managed for approximately four to six hours. If a family member is seeking treatment or recovery resources HRC staff can assist with referrals and case management. If a family member is struggling with addiction HRC staff can assist other members of the family, find existing resources in the community to help the family cope and support the individual struggling with addiction.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: Can I be brought in for substances other than alcohol?
Yes, the Sobering Center admits clients who are intoxicated on substances other than alcohol, excluding bath salts.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: Can I contact someone who has been admitted into the Sobering Center?
Due to confidentiality staff will not be able to confirm or deny that a client is currently or has ever been to the center. Individuals at the Sobering Center can make a call at any time to notify a family member or friend or arrange for transportation prior to the discharge.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: What is the capacity for the sobering center?
The Sobering Center has two separate rooms that can hold 16 females in one and 68 males in the other, for a total of 84 admissions.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: How long is the usual stay?
The average length of stay is four to six hours.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: Is the sobering center open?
On April 10, 2013, the sobering center opened to one station of the Houston Police Department. In May, the center opened citywide. The center operates 24/7 365 days a year.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: What food does the sobering center serve to clients?
The Sobering Center provides water, Gatorade and crackers upon request.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: Does the Center have any facilities in addition to the one at 150 N. Chenevert?
Demand to expand our services has forced us to grow beyond our capacity to office our staff. We are now co-located in our original center on N. Chenevert St. and in an office building 1.5 miles away on McGowen St. Our plan is to unify our operations in the near future.
Last updated: 2/20/20
Q: Why does the Sobering Center have different names?
The official name of our organization is the Houston Recovery Center LGC, a public private venture to form a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Sobering Center is the Houston Recovery Center’s first and most well-known program as an alternative to jail. However, the Houston Recovery Center’s vision is a fully integrated recovery care continuum evidenced by its expansion into recovery programs and street interventions.
Last updated: 10/27/15
Q: I have some items I’d like to donate, how do I do that?
We encourage all clothing and similar tangible donations to go to one of our closest collaborating organizations, Star of Hope.
Last updated: 01/11/16
Our sobering center entrance where clients are greeted by a Recovery Support Specialist to begin the admissions process.