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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – After more than 50 years in operation, an addiction recovery center in Tucson is in danger of closing.
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The in-patient treatment center, known as The Haven, is the only provider designed specifically for women in southern Arizona.
Christina Soto has been staying at The Haven for the past month.
“I’m opening up more in groups now; I’ve become a community leader; I’m a big sister,” Soto said.
She is one of 10,000 women The Haven said it has helped achieve sobriety over the years, but she could be one of the last.
State payment suspension
After a $2.5 billion sober living scandal involving the state’s Medicaid program in 2023, AHCCCS suspended payments to inpatient addiction providers like The Haven. Board member Colette Barajas said they were owed nearly $400,000 in back claims at the time, which has since been reduced to $90,000.
Barajas said that was just the beginning of their issues.
Changes in the state’s licensing agreement also forced The Haven to pause intake of new patients for more than four months, which cost it $750,000.
“Our numbers are good, but we just can’t recover from the loss after losing $10,000 a day,” Barajas said.
Financial crisis
While The Haven continued to serve existing patients and has since filled its empty beds, Barajas said they have roughly $175,000 left in reserves and need additional funding now more than ever.
“I’ve been sober almost 41 years, and I walked through The Haven 41 years ago, so it works. But it doesn’t work if you can’t provide the services, and that’s really what’s happening,” Barajas said.
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Patients at The Haven are stepping in, even holding a bake sale to help raise money.
“It breaks my heart because everybody here is so willing and wants to be such an active part of people’s recovery,” Soto said.
While Barajas said closing is a last resort, she’s hoping the community can help get them out of the red and continue supporting women’s sobriety.
“There’s no dollar amount that you shouldn’t invest in somebody’s dignity in getting their life back,” Barajas said.
“We’re gonna lose an iconic institution if the Haven closes,” Barajas said.
Barajas said their board has agreed to take out a loan for bridge funding, but they’re also exploring the possibility of a merger or acquisition with other nonprofits.
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