SALEM, W.Va. (WDTV/WTAP) – A church in Salem restored an 1890s house to house women in recovery.

On Friday morning, Horizons Church in Salem opened its first shelter as part of the Recovery Alive program.

Originally built in 1894, the house fell into disrepair and was condemned.

Christine Sturtevant, president of the church’s women’s ministry, said they saw a light shining through the walls, but also hope to provide a safe and comfortable place for women to recover from addiction.

“Most of the women who will live here have lost everything, but God gives second chances and that’s why God will be first and foremost in this program and we are very excited to be able to make love. The ladies who will live in this house will be able to see the restoration in their lives, just like the restoration in this house,” she said Sturtevant.

The sober living home will support up to six women.

Pastor Mike Allen said this is more than just a shelter and rehabilitation program. The goal is to help these women become part of a community.

“They need a safe place to go, and a lot of times it’s not back home, it’s not their old environment, especially not their old friend’s circle,” Allen said. “This gives them the opportunity to live their lives cleanly and gain a foothold. “They work, they find a job in the community, they support themselves, and eventually they leave their homes and go back into the community and become productive.”

Allen said he is grateful for all the community support that made this possible.

The inspiration for the house comes from a rescue book called ‘Saving Victoria’. But Sturtevant said his cousin’s recovery journey made the mission much more personal.

“That’s my reason for this house,” Sturtevant said. “I want him to have a place to stay that is safe and warm and where people have the opportunity to love him because that’s what he deserves. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

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