METROPOLITAN FRESH START HOUSE

Social Problem Statement

One of the greatest pandemics facing our nation today is the proliferation of illegal drugs. Crack cocaine, heroine, methamphetamine, PCP, as well as other illicit drugs have affected and brought serious devastation to families and every area of American society. All have experienced the devastation of this horrible pandemic that is the cancer eating away at the fabric of American society while also destroying the future of millions. President Bush declared in his 2003, State of the Union address, The addiction of some is worth the attention of all, which demonstrates that from the White House to the poor house, the drug epidemic is one of the greatest tragedies facing this great nation.

According to the Little Hoover Commission report of March 11, 2003, one in nine Californians suffer from an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. The expenditures for the State of California responding to the problem of drug abuse (including economic losses to public agencies, corporations and individuals) are more than 32 billion dollars per year. The Commission report further points out that, while the State will hire more law enforcement, build more jails and prisons, it continues to under fund our treatment and prevention centers so that in the past 10 years many of our alcohol and drug centers have closed down due of lack of funding.

One of the sadder commentaries that hits close to our hearts is the fact that among the churches of Christ across the brotherhood is that fact the most leaderships have ignored this pandemic and its murder of the brightest stars of the future of our movement. How many more deaths in families of leadership will it take for the church to honor it’s responsibility to it’s membership and it’s community join the fight against sin and Satan that he is waging against the church through the proliferation of drugs.

Proposition 36

Michael E. Alpert, Chairman of the Little Hoover Commission, made the following statements to former California Governor Gray Davis, and the State Legislature: “Proposition 36, approved by voters, reflected a clear choice – one supported by academic research and practical experience – that treatment can be a cost-effective, socially responsible and humane solution...” In this report, the Commission recommends how state and community leaders could embrace the will of voters and employ sound science to better respond to one of the most costly and harmful problems facing California.

The Outrageous Cost

Alcohol and drug treatment is a cost-effective response to these expensive maladies – saving $7 for every dollar spent, by two analyses. As part of a larger effort to reduce drug and alcohol abuse, treatment can restore lives, revive communities and reduce the growing demand on public programs. In a study conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles, it was estimated in 2001, that some 2.3 million Californians needed treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, 31,806 people were injured, and 1,308 people were killed on California roadways in collisions involving alcohol alone.

Though this study has demonstrated that there has been a 7-to-1 return on treatment funding with the result of reduced crime, enhanced productivity and lower health care costs, the State still allocates more funds for inmates. Proposition 36 dedicates $120 million a year to treat, rather than incarcerate, those arrested for drug offenses. In five counties alone, some 12,000-drug abusers were diverted from jail functions.

State Priorities for Alcohol & Drug Treatment

2001-2002 Total - $414.7 million

Of the $414 million in State funds allocated during the same budget year, the State set aside $255 million (62 percent) for people who were arrested or incarcerated. Only $26 million (6 percent) was unrestricted, which most counties use these limited unrestricted funds to provide treatment on a first come, first serve basis.

Startling Reality

In the past ten years San Francisco City and County has experienced the closure of many of its drug treatment facilities, which had served the community for years. Man’s Place closed in June 2004, Milestone closed in 2002, FAD closed in 2002, Liberation House closed in 1999, Western Addition closed in 2004, and Walden House has experienced tremendous cut backs in their services to women and children.

These programs, and many others throughout the five Bay Area counties, have either closed or cut back services for same reason, lack of funding. This crises has led to the over burdening of the few programs that are left. Law enforcement and the prison and jail systems are still getting the lion’s share of federal, state and county funds, while treatment facilities are dying in mass each year. The programs that are still holding on are barely surviving as the government continues to cut back on much-needed services. Now, based on the statistics, the need for treatment programs has skyrocketed in the past ten years and is getting worse. Crime in our neighborhoods is getting worse, and the cost of the drug pandemic to the taxpayer is getting still worse.

At this time the MSFH seeks to expand its services in order to fill the void of the many suffering Americans who are seeking treatment in places that no longer exist because of lack of funding. Once again, it is important to reiterate the fact that the Metropolitan Fresh Start House is a program that has survived budget cuts, recessions and some extremely lean times, but has somehow kept the doors open while expanding the quality of services and fixing broken people and their families. Because of the escalation of the drug pandemic affecting all areas of American society, it is now imperative that MFSH expands its capacity and services to the community of the hopeless.

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