About First Step House – Des Plaines
If you’re looking for a sober place to land while you’re getting serious about recovery from alcohol, First Step House in Des Plaines, Illinois, might be exactly what you need. First Step House isn’t a treatment center but they do offer a structured and supportive place for men to get grounded in the 12 steps of recovery and start building a real foundation for long-term sobriety.
First Step House is a small, nonprofit residential home with eight beds for men who are ready to do the work of recovery. You’ve got to be sober, off all substances and already involved in an AA group to live here. In fact, to even be considered for a bed, you’ll need to have attended at least three AA meetings at the house and have two sponsors who are willing to vouch for you and walk with you through your early recovery.
First Step House isn’t just a place to crash. Residents have to abide my house curfews, perform their assigned chores and go out during the day to work or seek employment. The focus here is on structure, community and accountability.
There’s a house sponsor on-site to keep an eye on things and weekday dinners are cooked family-style by a live-in custodian who also helps manage day-to-day activities. Residents also attend regular AA meetings, with up to 20 hosted on-site each week. It’s not fancy and it’s not for everyone, but for men serious about working the steps and rebuilding their lives, First Step House offers something powerful.