MINOT – More help for those suffering from addiction is in the process of becoming a reality in the city.
A massive home, sometimes referred to as the “Main Street Mansion”, is undergoing renovation and upgrades that will eventually play a big role on the path to recovery for up to 15 people at any one time.
“We help people in addiction, those that are struggling with substance abuse, and those who are struggling with homelessness and mental health,” said Isaiah Keller, Seeds of Eden, a Bismarck-based nonprofit that is expanding throughout the state. “We offer a faith-based, pretty aggressive Christian discipleship course and life coaching as well”
The home, which is located at 425 South Main Street, immediately east of the old Trinity Hospital, towers over the street below. It boasts a large addition that was only partially finished at the time of the sale. The home has been vacant for nearly eight years.
“We got in touch with some investors who bought the house and we are leasing it, working on remodeling it right now,” said Keller. “It has five bathrooms and two kitchens. Probably sometime early next year we should be able to operate at full capacity. It’s really neat to see this faith-based, nonprofit emerge on the recovery scene.”
The older portion of the house is functional, or “just fine”, says Keller who thinks Seeds of Eden could possibly help a few recovering addicts yet this year before remodeling is fully completed in the remainder of the facility.
“The drug epidemic, the opioid epidemic that we are dealing with, the fentanyl crisis, it’s so devastating and negative,” remarked Keller. “It’s really a severe problem, not just Minneapolis and New York, but in rural North Dakota. We want to provide some options in the community.”
North Dakota’s recidivism rate for those incarcerated for drug offenses is extremely high. Keller says that where Seeds of Eden can make a difference.
“We want them to know they don’t have to go back to the drug house or the streets,” explained Keller. “If people follow our road map they are going to do okay. This is another part of recovery for people to get their lives back together. The most important element is saving lives and rebuilding homes and families.”
According to Keller, every addict that recovers eases the burden on North Dakota taxpayers because the cost of incarceration is $40-60,000 per inmate annually.
“Our program is not for everyone. People need some stability and some recovery history before entering the house,” said Keller. “It’s a careful process. Bridges have been burned with the family a lot of times. We don’t mind standing in the gap and doing God’s work and helping them out.”
Any person or business that is considering donating to Seeds of Eden should first visit their website at SeedsofEden.net. There’s a phone number to call for further information. Those inquiring about enrolling in the Seeds of Eden recovery program should also follow the information above.
“If people feel that tug on their heart, they are welcome to reach out,” said Keller.
