Sober Living Facility Hosts First Annual Luncheon and Honors Board Member

A sober living facility in Santa Barbara held its first annual luncheon on Saturday.

The Heart of New House event raised money for scholarships and honored board member Larry Laborde for his 23 years of service.

New House provides a sober living environment for men dealing with alcohol and drug addiction. In its 61 year history, the facility has helped an estimated 40,000 men in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley attended the luncheon to give thanks for the facility’s record of success. She said 85 percent of crimes in Santa Barbara are related to drug and alcohol abuse.

“Programs like New House really make a difference, and can get people to get sober and help people stay sober. It drastically reduces the crime rate in Santa Barbara County and increases public safety,” Dudley said.

New House has 3 facilities and 98 beds. Executive Director Gordon Guy said New House also provides a safe environment, with structure and accountability.

“I’ve been in recovery for 31 years and I know where they are coming from and I know where they can go if they want to,” Guy said.

37-year-old Adam Burridge is one success story. He was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 15 years and was in and out of jail.

New House helped him turn his life around. Burridge has been sober for more than 3 years, and is now working at New House.

“It’s a blessing. I get to help guys coming out of jail or off of the streets and get them dialed in, so they can get back on track,” Burridge said.

For more information about New House, click here.