According to a news release Friday, The Healing Place of New Hanover County (THPNHC) has so far served 131 individuals through its long-term Residential Recovery Program, with 255 overnight stays in the emergency shelter.

The facility opened Feb. 1, and its shelter offers a bed, a shower and two hot meals.

The release revealed a snapshot of additional statistics from the first 28 days in operation.

• The men’s program served 79 individuals, with ages ranging from 19 to 67.
• The women’s program served 52 individuals, with ages ranging from 21 to 74.
• The men’s emergency shelter remained at 88% capacity or above.
• The women’s emergency shelter remained at 42% capacity or above. 
• 72% of THPNHC clients had direct ties to New Hanover County. 
• Clients from 14 additional counties in Eastern North Carolina have been served.
• The top drugs of addiction for individuals being served are alcohol, methamphetamines and opiates.

In addition to the emergency overnight shelter, THPNHC's services include an open-access nonmedical social-setting detox (opening in April) and a long-term residential recovery program, according to the release.

"All THPNHC services are provided at no direct cost to the client and its programming model provides structure and peer-to-peer engagement using evidence-based components of behavior modification, as well as education surrounding the disease of addiction," the release stated. "These components work together to help clients achieve long-term success as they transition into the community. Being accountable and having a sense of community are two important aspects for people in recovery, both of which are present at The Healing Place."

According to the release, once the detox portion opens, THPNHC will be fully operational and will be able to provide wraparound and transitional services to people struggling with substance abuse and homelessness. The Healing Place incorporates peer mentors to help others as they go through the long-term residential recovery program. 

“Individuals in this region who have been struggling with addiction and despair now have hope, a path to healing, and another option to help start them on their journey to recovery,” stated Brian Mingia, executive director of ​The Healing Place of New Hanover County, in the release.