BOISE -- People who need help in their fight against drug or alcohol addiction now have a new place to find it.
It's been in the works for years, and now the Allumbaugh House is ready to go.
In addition to drugs and alcohol, the Allumbaugh House will also help people with mental health issues as well as people who need to get sober.
The idea for a community detox facility dates back to the 1990s, but putting that idea and others like it into reality never quite came together.
Then, in April of 2005, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter held a regional summit on detoxification services, which he says was the first major step in making the Allumbaugh House a reality.
Several agencies joined together to make this happen, Ada County, the city of Boise, the city of Meridian, St. Luke's, St. Al's and United Way just to name a few.
"It really provides such an important service. I was taught, and I've always thought that a community is judged by how well they treat the least fortunate in the community," said Bieter.
Here's how it works: Terry Reilly Health Services will operate the facility and will start taking referrals for patients next week.
Then on May 3rd, the doors will open to patients.
At capacity, the Allumbaugh House can fill the needs of 16 mental health and detox patients, and 18 sobering clients.
Using dorm-style sleeping arrangements, men and women will stay at the facility for four to six days on average, then be on their way.
This facility is to act as a middle ground for those who can't get clean at home on their own, but at the same time don't need a hospital.
Those running it hope this fills that niche.
The facility cost about $2.7 million to build, and costs about $1.8 million a year to run.
Funding comes from the Department of Health and Welfare, the cities of Boise and Meridian, Ada County as well as St. Luke's and St. Alphonsus hospitals.
