Local recovery‑home founders present transitional housing plan to Aitkin County

Purpose Driven Recovery Homes co‑founders Corey O'Neil and Holly told the Aitkin County Board that their new transitional housing program, which opened in November, aims to bridge a gap for people leaving treatment who struggle to find stable housing. “We just opened our doors in November…we've got 6 residents so far,” the presenters said during a board briefing, later clarifying the current occupancy is five.

The founders described intake and oversight procedures: background checks, counselor interviews, daily accountability and expectations for residents to engage 15–20 hours a week in work, education, volunteerism or recovery meetings. Staff said the houses have curfews and surveillance and that house managers (the founders and family members) provide regular check‑ins and weekly meetings to monitor progress.

Commissioners praised the presenters' neighborhood outreach and permitting work with city planning and law enforcement. Commissioner Sample told the founders he wished a program like theirs had existed earlier in his life, and Commissioner Lubitzka commended their attention to community safety during the approval steps. The board offered the founders support and asked them to return with success stories as the program matures.

The presenters told commissioners the homes are privately purchased and self‑funded, with donations and community partnerships (Lions Club outreach) assisting operations; residents who qualify may use housing‑support payments, and the homes are a vendor with the Department of Corrections for appropriate referrals. The founders emphasized they do not have to accept every referral and that they intend careful screening to maintain safety and neighbor relations.

The board extended its thanks and encouraged continued communication with county staff and law enforcement as the program expands.