Dec. 21—MITCHELL — For Shawn Mousseau, the Oxford House was a lifesaver. Mousseau struggled with alcohol addiction and found a safe haven in a house in Oxford, where he regained his sobriety and rebuilt his life.
The Oxford House model has caught the attention of local leaders as a cost-effective and supportive alternative to traditional shelters. Lately, discussions about establishing a homeless shelter in Mitchell have been a recurring topic at city council meetings. Councilor Mike Bathke has spoken out in support of the Oxford House approach, highlighting its ability to provide accountability and stability to those in need.
When discussing homelessness in Mitchell, Bathke cited Oxford House as an example of a more effective and sustainable solution compared to a city-run shelter.
“You have to hold them accountable. There’s nothing you can do,” Bathke said.
Bathke’s advocacy for the Oxford House model stems from concerns about the potential downsides of a traditional city-run homeless shelter. He expressed concern that such a facility could attract individuals from surrounding areas, potentially overwhelming local resources.
The councilor further discussed the potential ripple effect of setting up a traditional shelter.
“Let’s say the city buys a building and runs a homeless shelter. We’ve now become the place where everyone should come to Mitchell because they have a homeless shelter and that’s what happened to Sioux Falls,” Bathke said.
Founded in 1975 by Paul Molloy, the Oxford House concept is based on the principles of recovery, responsibility and replication. These self-managed, communal living environments are designed for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Rather than acting as treatment centers or shelters, Oxford Houses provide a stable environment where residents support each other on their recovery journey.
Today there are more than 3,100 Oxford homes in the United States. There are 28 in South Dakota alone, including two in Mitchell, “House 7” and “Sweet Grass,” both of which opened in 2023. These homes are a model of success and provide structured living and support for residents to rebuild their lives. .
Mousseau, now an alumnus of the Oxford House programme, explains the philosophy behind the houses.
“We’re just trying to be a safe place when it comes to addiction,” Mousseau said.
Both Oxford homes in Mitchell are currently full, with residents not only staying sober but thriving in a supportive community. The homes operate on a self-governing system, with residents taking turns managing various aspects of the home, from finances to chores. Weekly meetings allow for open discussions where House members hold each other accountable and share experiences.
For many, the program offers a life-changing experience. Taylor Metter, president of Sweet Grass, points out the challenges that come with living closely with people from different backgrounds.
“It’s a learning curve,” he says. “Learning to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully has been crucial.”
To be accepted into an Oxford House, each resident must complete a thorough application process, including an interview with current members, to ensure they adhere to the principles of the House.
“This place is really about responsibility,” said Beau Mackey, Speaker of House 7. “I was a little scared to come here at first. Going from prison to total freedom was overwhelming. But it was amazing. I learned how to be responsible again, how to ‘grow up’ as they say.”
Mackey, who has only been out of prison for just over a month, said the supportive environment has made all the difference in his recovery.
“What a cool place to have as an option,” he said.
The success of the Oxford Houses in Mitchell lies not only in their ability to provide a safe, sober living space, but also in the sense of community they foster. Residents lean on each other for support and share in the triumphs and struggles of recovery.
“Addiction doesn’t care about small differences. We all have the same story. Addiction has ruined our lives in some way and affected our families in some way,” said Danny Pacheco, a former House 7 resident who has been sober since he moved here. March 2023.
Pacheco, who spent almost two decades on the streets before discovering Oxford House, says the supportive environment has made all the difference.
“Being around like-minded people, people who hold me accountable, saved my life,” he said.
For Pacheco, this is the longest period of sobriety he has had since he was 12.
The houses themselves are not just places to sleep; they are spaces where residents actively work to improve themselves and their situation. For example, the residents of House 7 recently voted to reduce their rent for a few months to ease the financial burden during the holidays.
“I was able to pay the rent and pay off my probation fines,” Metter said.
Bringing the Oxford House model to Mitchell has not been without challenges, especially in finding suitable properties.
Landlord Tara Volesky played a key role in making the vision a reality. After hearing about the model at an Exchange Club meeting, Volesky investigated the program and decided to lease one of its properties to the organization.
“I had no problem renting them out, and they have been absolutely wonderful,” says Volesky, noting that the residents even help with repairs and maintenance. “It has been helpful for everyone involved.”
Finding the right neighborhood was another challenge. Volesky recalls that when the men’s group wanted to rent a large 12-bedroom house near Dakota Wesleyan University, there was local opposition, especially from neighbors concerned about the impact on the area.
“It can certainly be a challenge to find a neighborhood that is open to this type of housing,” she said.
But the current location, in a quiet residential area near the center, is well received and there have been no complaints from neighbors.
The Oxford House model operates on a self-sustaining financial structure, which is distinct from traditional homeless shelters. Initially, Oxford Houses will be financed through a loan from the Oxford House World Office, not through city funding. This loan secures homes, after which the homes are financially self-sufficient. Residents pay $125 weekly or $540 per month for rent and utilities. Unlike traditional shelters, which can cost $20,000 to $40,000 per person annually, Oxford Houses rely on collective contributions from residents, making them a more cost-effective solution.
The Mitchell Oxford Houses have already demonstrated their financial stability by repaying their initial loan within six to seven months, much faster than the average 12 to 18 months typically seen at other Oxford Houses.
“We have managed to build a nice cushion,” said Mousseau. “We have not had to rely on external financing and we are paying back the initial loan, which is huge.”
According to Mousseau, Mitchell’s two Oxford Houses are among the only ones in South Dakota to achieve this level of financial self-sufficiency, making them stand out as some of the most successful examples of the model in the state.
As the success of the Oxford Houses in Mitchell becomes clearer, the idea of expanding to include a house for women is being discussed. Mousseau and Pacheco have seen firsthand how well the model works for men, and they’re hopeful they can replicate the success with a third home in the city.
“We would love to have a home for women. There is a real need for it,” Mousseau said.
As the number of Oxford Houses continues to grow, Mitchell’s two houses serve as models for other communities. For residents like Pacheco, the homes represent more than just a place to live; they are a lifeline that offers the opportunity to heal, recover and start over.
“This place saved my life,” Pacheco said. “It gave me the opportunity to be the person I always wanted to be.”
