Dec. 21—MITCHELL — For Shawn Mousseau, the Oxford House was a life-saver. Struggling with alcohol addiction, Mousseau found a safe haven in an Oxford House, where he regained his sobriety and rebuilt his life.
The Oxford House model has garnered attention from local leaders as a cost-effective and supportive alternative to traditional shelters. Recently, discussions about establishing a homeless shelter in Mitchell have been a recurring topic at city council meetings. Councilman Mike Bathke has spoken out in favor of the Oxford House approach, emphasizing its ability to provide accountability and stability to those in need.
When discussing homelessness in Mitchell, Bathke pointed to Oxford House as an example of a more effective and sustainable solution compared to a city-run shelter.
“You have to hold them accountable. You can’t do nothing,” Bathke said.
Bathke’s advocacy for the Oxford House model stems from concerns about the potential drawbacks of a traditional city-run homeless shelter. He expressed worries that such a facility might attract individuals from surrounding areas, potentially overwhelming local resources.
The councilman further elaborated on the potential ripple effect of establishing a traditional shelter.
“Let’s say the city buys (a building) and runs a homeless shelter. We now have become the place everybody should come to Mitchell because they have a homeless shelter and that’s what happened to Sioux Falls,” Bathke said.
Founded in 1975 by Paul Molloy, the Oxford House concept is based on the principles of Recovery, Responsibility, and Replication. These self-run, communal living environments are designed for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Rather than acting as treatment centers or shelters, Oxford Houses provide a stable environment where residents support each other in their recovery journey.
Today, there are over 3,100 Oxford Houses across the United States. In South Dakota alone, there are 28, including two in Mitchell, “House 7” and “Sweet Grass,” both of which opened in 2023. These houses are a model of success, offering structured living and support for residents to rebuild their lives.
Mousseau, now an alumnus of the Oxford House program, explains the philosophy behind the houses.
“We’re just trying to be a safe place to be as far as addictions go,” Mousseau said.
Both Oxford Houses in Mitchell are currently full, with residents not only maintaining sobriety but thriving in a supportive community. The houses operate on a self-governing system, with residents taking turns managing various aspects of the house, from finances to chores. Weekly meetings allow for open discussions where house members hold each other accountable and share experiences.
For many, the program provides a life-changing experience. Taylor Metter, president of Sweet Grass, notes the challenges that come with living in close quarters with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“It’s a learning curve,” he says. “Learning to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully has been crucial.”
To be allowed into an Oxford House, each resident must go through a thorough application process, including an interview with current members, ensuring they are committed to the house’s principles.
“This place is truly about accountability,” said Beau Mackey, president of House 7. “I was a little scared to come here at first. To go from prison to total freedom was overwhelming. But it’s been amazing. I’ve learned how to be responsible again, how to ‘adult’ as they say.”
Mackey, who has only been out of prison for a little over a month, said that the supportive environment has made all the difference in his recovery.
“What a cool place to have as an option,” he said.
The success of the Oxford Houses in Mitchell lies not only in their ability to provide a safe, sober living space but also in the sense of community they foster. Residents lean on each other for support and share in the triumphs and struggles of recovery.
“Addiction doesn’t care about little differences. We all have the same story. Addiction ruined our lives in some way, affected our families in some way,” said Danny Pacheco, a former resident of House 7 who has been sober since moving in March 2023.
Pacheco, who spent nearly two decades on the streets before discovering Oxford House, says the supportive environment has made all the difference.
“Being around like-minded people, people who hold me accountable, saved my life,” he said.
For Pacheco, this is the longest period of sobriety he’s had since he was 12 years old.
The houses themselves are not just places to sleep; they are spaces where residents actively work to improve themselves and their situations. The residents of House 7, for example, recently voted to lower their rent for a few months to ease the financial burden during the holidays.
“I was able to pay rent and pay off my probation fines,” said Metter.
Bringing the Oxford House model to Mitchell wasn’t without its challenges, particularly in finding suitable properties.
Landlord Tara Volesky played a key role in making the vision a reality. After learning about the model at an Exchange Club meeting, Volesky researched the program and decided to rent one of her properties to the organization.
“I had no problem renting to them, and they’ve been absolutely wonderful,” Volesky says, noting that the residents even help with repairs and maintenance. “It’s been beneficial for everyone involved.”
Finding the right neighborhood was another challenge. Volesky recalls that when the men’s group wanted to rent a large 12-bedroom house near Dakota Wesleyan University, local opposition arose, particularly from neighbors concerned about the impact on the area.
“It can definitely be a challenge to find a neighborhood that’s open to this type of housing,” she said.
But the current location, in a quiet residential area near downtown, has been well-received, with no complaints from neighbors.
The Oxford House model operates on a self-sustaining financial structure, setting it apart from traditional homeless shelters. Initially, Oxford Houses are funded through a loan from the Oxford House World Office, not through city funding. This loan is used to secure properties, after which the homes are financially self-sufficient. Residents pay either $125 weekly or $540 monthly for rent and utilities. Unlike traditional shelters, which can cost $20,000 to $40,000 per person annually, Oxford Houses rely on the collective contributions of residents, making them a more cost-effective solution.
The Mitchell Oxford Houses have already demonstrated their financial stability, having repaid their initial loan within 6-7 months, far quicker than the average 12-18 months typically seen with other Oxford Houses.
“We’ve managed to build up a nice cushion,” said Mousseau. “We haven’t had to rely on external funding, and we’re paying back the initial loan, which is huge.”
According to Mousseau, Mitchell’s two Oxford Houses are among the only ones in South Dakota to achieve this level of financial self-sufficiency, setting them apart as some of the state’s most successful examples of the model.
As the success of the Oxford Houses in Mitchell becomes more apparent, the idea of expanding to include a house for women is being discussed. Mousseau and Pacheco have seen firsthand how well the model works for men, and they are hopeful that they can replicate the success with a third house in the city.
“We’d love to get a house for women. There’s a real need for it,” Mousseau said.
As the number of Oxford Houses continues to grow, the success Mitchell’s two homes serve as a model for other communities. For residents like Pacheco, the houses represent more than just a place to live—they are a lifeline, offering the chance to heal, recover, and start anew.
“This place saved my life,” Pacheco said. “It gave me the chance to be the person I always wanted to be.”