At Helping Up Mission, men struggling with substance abuse and homelessness are provided with the necessary resources to comprehend the origins of addiction and redirect the trajectory of their future. Mentorship offers clients the opportunity to learn from individuals who have faced similar challenges, while vocational therapy and educational services equip individuals to actively participate in the workforce after completion. Counseling and recovery coursework reinforce the teachings provided in treatment, enabling clients to sustain long-term sobriety upon completion.
ABOUT HELPING UP MISSION- BALTIMORE, MD
Located in Baltimore, MD, Helping Up Mission delivers residential treatment to men grappling with addiction and homelessness. The organization supplies shelter, meals, clothing, and counseling to address the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of its clients.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Prior to admission, clients must personally visit Helping Up Mission as the facility does not schedule appointments via phone or online. The facility’s Spiritual Recovery Program spans one year and progresses clients through multiple treatment phases. Additionally, the facility offers a six month graduate spiritual recovery program for alumni who have experienced relapse.
The facility’s treatment program integrates the 12-Steps with spiritual development and the most up-to-date scientific addiction treatment methods. Throughout treatment, clients receive professional clinical counseling and participate in 12-step meetings, Bible study, chapel, and discipleship meetings. The initial 45-day treatment phase is known as a “blackout period,” requiring clients to limit contact with outside influences, with the exception of family, to deter exposure to unhealthy influences. While Helping Up Mission does not provide on-site detoxification services, it collaborates with local hospitals to assist clients needing detoxification during the initial phase of treatment.
During their time at Helping Up Mission, men may pursue their GED or attend trade school. They are also engaged in 40 hours per week of work therapy, helping with facility chores. In the final six months of treatment, clients are encouraged to seek employment outside of the facility. Unique treatments and therapy options available at Helping Up Mission include choir and art therapy. Lastly, Helping Up Mission offers transitional housing for up to five years to Spiritual Recovery Program graduates who secure employment.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Helping Up Mission has not provided information regarding the qualifications of its treatment staff. However, the facility website indicates that several staff members are graduates of the Spiritual Recovery Program. One surveyed alum from Best-rehabs.com strongly agreed that staff are experienced and well-trained, although another alum disagreed with this statement.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The facility features 500 beds for male clients in a shelter-like setting, with shared rooms and bunk beds. Clients are supplied with meals, toiletries, and clean clothes during their stay at Helping Up Mission.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The two alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com provided generally positive reviews of the facility’s treatment effectiveness, but held divided opinions on other aspects such as accommodations, amenities, meals, and nutrition. Both alumni highlighted the program’s spiritual components as a major strength. One alum described their experience as a blessing, emphasizing the positive impact of the spiritual teachings. Both alumni praised the facility’s mission but noted that the number of beds and space did not adequately accommodate the Greater Baltimore Area it serves.
Google reviews for Helping Up Mission are predominantly positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 22 reviews. Reviewer K.N., who assigned the facility a perfect five-star rating, expressed, “Smartest thing I have ever done was coming here 7 months ago. I’m still here, still clean, and my only regret is that I didn’t come sooner.” Reviewer M.A. shared the same viewpoint, awarding five stars and stating, “I am at the HUM, veteran in need, and have received the help I did not know was out there for me. I have been given an opportunity to continue to meet my goals.”
FINANCING
For initial entry into the Spiritual Recovery Program, Helping Up Mission does not charge any fees. However, clients who receive non-employment income such as SSI may be required to contribute towards program fees. Other clients may be registered under the Food Stamp/TDAP Program to help cover program expenses, and clients who secure gainful employment during the program must contribute a portion of the associated costs of their stay.