🌿 Stage 01

Recover

The first months are about stabilization. Participants enter a structured residential environment with 24/7 support, where the sole focus is healing from addiction and building a foundation for everything that follows.

  • Individual and group addiction counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Therapeutic arts: music, painting, pottery
  • Bible study and spiritual support groups
  • Life skills workshops (budgeting, communication, conflict resolution)
  • Physical fitness and nutrition programs
🌿

Healing First

You can't build a future on an unstable foundation. Recovery comes first.

🛠 Stage 02

Learn

As recovery stabilizes, participants begin hands-on construction training. Working alongside licensed contractors and experienced tradespeople, they learn real skills on real job sites — not in a classroom.

  • Framing, carpentry, and structural work
  • Electrical basics and fixture installation
  • Plumbing fundamentals
  • Drywall, taping, and interior finishing
  • Blueprint reading and project estimation
  • OSHA safety certification
🛠

Real Skills

500,000 construction jobs are open in America. Our graduates fill them.

🏗 Stage 03

Build

This is where purpose becomes tangible. Participants work on actual home renovation and construction projects — including the very homes they may move into. Every nail, every wall, every finished room is proof that they can create something lasting.

  • Renovation of existing properties for program housing
  • New construction projects with partner contractors
  • Trade certifications and apprenticeship hours
  • Resume building and employment preparation
  • Financial literacy and savings programs
  • Mentorship from experienced builders
🏗

Build Something Real

Physical work creates visible progress. That changes how people see themselves.

🏡 Stage 04

Live

Graduates transition into stable housing — in many cases, the very homes they helped build. With a trade skill, employment connections, and ongoing community support, they have everything they need to stay sober and independent.

  • Transitional housing in program-built or renovated homes
  • Job placement with partner contractors and builders
  • Starting wages of $18-25/hour in construction trades
  • Ongoing alumni support and recovery community
  • Path to independent homeownership
  • Continued mentorship and career advancement
🏡

Home

A key to your own front door. Built by your own hands.

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Whether you're a contractor, church, or referral organization — ShelterForge needs your expertise, resources, and network to make this work.

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