Fern House, Inc.

Fern House, Inc., established in 1983, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit residential recovery program for men in Palm Beach County, Florida. It takes indigent, chronic drug and alcohol abusers off the streets and helps them reintegrate into society as productive, responsible citizens, primarily serving men who are formerly incarcerated, uninsured, and experiencing homelessness. The program serves approximately 325 men each year across 99 beds on two campuses using a two-stage model: every resident begins at the Stage 1 Church Street campus (59 beds) and moves up to the Stage 2 Harry Hamilton campus (40 beds) after completing Stage 1. Built on structure, accountability, compassion, and personal responsibility, the program follows the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Days begin at 5:30 am with chores and breakfast; residents work or seek employment by day and dedicate two hours each evening to recovery through AA/NA meetings and personal development. The six-month residential program costs $300 per week, covering bed, meals, and the program, with graduations held each September. Residents are connected with professionals to secure health insurance, medical evaluations, and coordinated care, and grant-funded programs provide medications at no cost. Fern House accepts no government funding and relies on community support; it is guided by a 17-member Board of Directors. Optional nondenominational Sunday worship is offered.