Charity House (Windsor)

Charity House (Windsor) is a Canadian nonprofit organization operating as a residential recovery home focused on providing compassionate, abstinence-based treatment for substance abuse. It is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency with the business registration number 118850130RR0001. The organization primarily serves individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, offering lifelong, evidence-informed treatment aimed at supporting lifelong recovery.

History

Originally known as Charity House, the organization dates back to the 1960s. It initially operated as a facility where homeless individuals were fed and cared for. However, the name did not resonate with the primary clientele it sought to serve—people suffering from alcoholism—and was later changed to Brentwood to better reflect its mission. In 1964, following a government task force report highlighting a high incidence of drinking-related crimes in Windsor, the recovery home was established with support from local clergy and community funding. A pivotal moment came with the purchase of a property on Sandwich Street in Windsor, which was renamed Brentwood on September 1, 1974, to serve as a recovery home specifically for male alcoholics, initially with a capacity of 20 to 30 beds.

Mission and Services

Charity House (Windsor), operating under the Brentwood name, is dedicated to providing lifelong recovery support through compassionate and evidence-based care. The organization helps men and women aged 14 to 99, primarily from Windsor and Essex County but also from across Canada and the United States. It offers residential treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction, ongoing aftercare for alumni, and community-based support for family members affected by substance misuse.

Facilities and Staffing

The recovery home is situated on a nine-acre property in the heart of Windsor, Ontario, comprising three main buildings and a pavilion. The organization employs approximately 55 staff members, including certified counselors and a full medical team, ensuring comprehensive care for its clients.

Values

Charity House (Windsor) embodies core values such as fellowship, accountability, teamwork, honesty, excellence, and respect. These principles guide its transformational work, which positively impacts individuals and the wider community each day.

Impact

Over its more than 58 years of operation, Charity House (Windsor)/Brentwood has provided treatment and support to more than 25,000 men and women. Its long-standing presence in the healthcare, addictions, and mental health continuum in Windsor reflects its essential role in addressing substance abuse and promoting recovery.

This article synthesizes information from sources related to Charity House (Windsor) and Brentwood Recovery Home, highlighting the organization's history, mission, and community impact[1][2][3][5].