ABOVE: Healing Hearts Housing’s home in Sherburn quarters eight women in addiction recovery. Healing Hearts Housing is counting on the support of the community to provide for the recovering women. Submitted photo.

SHERBURN — Healing Hearts Housing, a non-profit residential organization in Sherburn focused on women overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, has been ‘running on fumes’ for four months. It requires help from the community to keep the house’s foundation strong.

“We have a really wonderful place to live. We’re not like any other sober home. It’s a beautiful place to live,” said Co-Founder Cheri Frank.

Since the beginning, the house has welcomed more than 20 women, aiming to empower and, through immense support, guide residents through their journeys towards a better lifestyle. After Frank wrote 353 letters to treatment centers across Minnesota, the house is consistently full, with few women on the waiting list. Frank has watched the progression from beginning to end and is pleased that the house is a catalyst for positive change.

“Women successfully come through our house. What we’re finding is that our model is working, and women are recovering. They’re moving into their own places. They’re getting their children back. They’re working. They have jobs. They’re driving,” Frank said.

During their stay at Healing Hearts Housing, recovering women are equipped with knowledge for recovery, develop skills, begin healthy routines and live with the other recovering residents in a supportive environment.

“I just want the girls to have a good place to be in. All I really want is for them to feel safe, have the support that they need. We want to show these girls that recovery is fun. We have been supporting them even after they’ve left the house. The girls are happy. They come here because they want this thing.” Frank remarked.

As a labor of love, the organization was funded completely and directly by Frank and her husband. Frank has not received payment or salary. Now, she calls the community to help alleviate monetary sacrifices and support the organization’s future. Healing Hearts Housing asks for toiletries, kitchen supplies and monetary donations to keep the household thriving and committed to healthy routines that make steps toward recovery. Frank hopes to possess a van in the future as a means of easier transportation for all eight residents. Frank advises that every contribution made by the community towards the success of Healing Hearts Housing is beneficial. If donations cannot be made, advocating for the mission of Healing Hearts Housing’s mission will greatly assist as well.

“The house itself is, now that we have it full, it will be self-sustaining. We just have to play catch-up. But right now, we are looking very solid. Healing Hearts Housing Inc. is doing really well.”

Frank shared that things are gradually getting better, as the Healing Hearts house recently completed its patio project, which includes a concrete patio, privacy fence and garden. The Pampered Chef has also begun a partnership, in which 30 percent of proceeds will go to the support of the women. Pampered Chef orders can be made toward the Healing Hearts house for additional kitchen supplies. Healing Hearts Housing will have a fundraiser in partnership with the Sherburn Lions Club in the fall. Frank added that if anyone has suggestions for a fundraiser and is interested in planning it on behalf of Healing Hearts Housing, she would happily take it into consideration.

Frank shared that in the future, she would like to see Healing Hearts Housing expand, with the addition of a group residential home focused on men’s recovery. To find additional information about Healing Hearts Housing, visit healingheartshousing.org. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 58, Sherburn, MN 56171.