Substance abuse is something so many struggle with. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 46.3 million people over the age of 12 meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder. That’s nearly 17% of the population.
Overcoming substance abuse is no easy feat. Introduce homelessness into that equation and it’s easy to see how that could prove to be even more difficult.
A nonprofit called Mariners Inn aims to help and provide opportunities to adults, families and youth affected by addiction and homelessness, and they’ve been doing so since 1925. While the nonprofit already serves nearly 2,000 clients each year, it has just broken ground on a separate facility that will expand services to even more people in the community who are struggling.
Over the decades, Mariners Inn has remained steadfast in its mission to offer shelter, substance abuse treatment and transitional housing to men in need.
Rooted in the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, Mariners Inn serves as a refuge, dedicated to extending professional and compassionate residential substance-use treatment to homeless men, as well as aiding them in reclaiming their health, independence and self-esteem.
Today, Mariners Inn stands as a recognized leader in substance abuse treatment, renowned for its comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness and addiction. Licensed by the Office of Substance Abuse Services for the State of Michigan Department of Public Health and accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Mariners Inn operates as a licensed residential and outpatient treatment center.
Central to Mariners Inn’s philosophy is a recovery-focused, person-centered approach. Its range of services are tailored to support individuals on their path to recovery and stability. It does this in several meaningful ways:
- Its programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for those who seek refuge and a fresh start.
- Its prevention programs educate and empower communities to make informed choices, which can reduce the risk of substance abuse and addiction.
- Its residential treatment programs offer intensive and personalized care by combining therapy, counseling and holistic approaches to address the root causes of addiction.
- For those transitioning to independent living, its outpatient treatment programs provide ongoing support and resources.
- Its peer mentoring services connects individuals with lived experience to guide and inspire others along the path to recovery.
- Its alumni programs foster a sense of community and continued growth, which ensures support, and resources are always available beyond the initial stages of treatment.
George, a former Mariners Inn resident, faced a setback after four and a half years of sobriety before finding renewed purpose at Mariners Inn.
“I realized that being ‘clean’ wasn’t the same as being in recovery, and that led to my relapse,” he said. “Through counseling and group sessions at Mariners, I’ve learned to confront my problems and stay positive in the recovery process.”
With a newfound commitment to sobriety, George prioritizes being a present father to his two daughters, using each day as an opportunity for growth. He is now part of the Extended Residency Program, where he embraces the supportive environment of Mariners Inn and continues to learn and give back.
George said he stays focused on his recovery journey by enjoying community activities and planning for a brighter future, including furthering his education and strengthening his role as a father.
In a testament to its ongoing commitment to service and expansion, Mariners recently embarked on a groundbreaking project: The Anchor. The state-of-the-art residential substance-use treatment facility -- slated to span 65,500 square feet -- represents a transformative step forward for the organization. It will not only double Mariners Inn’s capacity to serve Detroiters but also mark a historic milestone, as it will extend services to women for the first time.
Beyond residential support, The Anchor will offer comprehensive resources, including job training, medical and health clinics, and emergency shelter facilities, further bolstering Mariners Inn’s role as a pillar of support and healing in the community.
As part of its outreach efforts, Mariners Inn invites the public to a live poetry performance and art event on July 18, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. The celebration of art and recovery promises to be a moving testament to the transformative power of creativity and community in the journey towards healing.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance here. The event offers an opportunity to support Mariners Inn’s vital mission while enjoying an evening of inspiration and camaraderie.
Click or tap here to learn more about Mariners Inn.