OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Owensboro drug rehab officials say most of their facilities have waiting lists for people who want to rid themselves of alcohol and drug abuse. However, on Wednesday they received a sign of new hope to shorten those lists.
Alcohol and drug abuse specialist Cindy Aldridge has wanted to open a drug rehab center for more than 15 years.
She says, "When they hear the word alcoholic or they hear the word drug addict understand it's a disease. These people have a disease it's just like someone with cancer. They need some help."
Aldridge is calling the new center located on West Fifth Street Rays of Hope.
One of the best things about the new Rays of Hope center is everything is being donated, including the house.
Rays of Hope officials say the house will be able to hold 15 to 20 men trying to become drug and alcohol free. The men will go through intense drug and alcohol classes every day.
Aldridge says, "We will be taking court referrals from the judges, public defenders. Phone calls off the street. They will stay one year at the bare minimum."
Each person participating in the program will pay an admission fee for the first 30 days, then will pay rent to offset the costs of operating the facility. Aldridge says as long as Rays of Hope gets its permit fee on time, the shelter should open by February.
Aldridge says if the Rays of Hope rehab center goes well, she'll look into opening a facility for women.
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