About Us
In an effort to help people break free from controlling addictions and troublesome habits, members of the Champaign-Urbana Christian community joined together in the creation of SAFE House (Substance Abuse Free Environment). We have experienced successful results since the inception of the Program in February 1994. The residents who were a menace to society are now ministering to society. What a testimony!
We offer separate 12-month live-in Men’s SAFE House and Women’s SAFE House programs that incorporate a structured daily regiment of: G.E.D., and/or adult education, devotions, group therapy, personal counseling, volunteer work projects, evening community-wide personal enrichment courses, and weekly worship services.
The Men’s SAFE House has been in existence since 1994 and boasts an 86% success rate. Past graduates are successful community members who contribute to society in a variety of professions, such as:
- College Instructor
- MTD Bus Driver
- Radio Personality
- University of Illinois Staff Members
- Current SAFE House Director and Assistant Director
The Women's SAFE House (WSH) opened its doors on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at 4 pm, and welcomed the first resident that same evening. Similar to the successful Men's SAFE House, the WSH is a 12-month Christ centered, residential treatment program. Since opening last October, some ten women have been served in the program. Currently there are five women in the program, of which, 60% of the women are white and 40% of the women African American. Two of the residents have been in the program for nearly ten months now. Both women are job hunting and planning for their new life. They are doing great!
The women are in a safe environment where they receive the necessary skills to remain drug and alcohol free. The residents are gaining knowledge critical for re-entering their communities and families. The goal is to assist the women to become productive members of their families and society generally.
If you are ready to reclaim your life, we are here for you.
SAFE After-Care
Successful graduates are eligible to participate in our After-Care program. After-Care provides a transition from the security of the SAFE House back into the community. Canaan’s After-Care will support your efforts to re-establish employment, housing, financial responsibility, and functional family living.
SAFE Relief Walk-In
Sometimes immediate action is needed. Canaan SAFE House staff and volunteers can provide immediate assistance to those in crisis or experiencing negative living environments. We offer temporary relief and necessary referrals to local agencies and social service programs.
SAFE House crisis team members may be reached at (217) 344-SAFE.
SAFE House is recognized by the Champaign County Court System as an option for substance abusers.
What costs over $700 million and provides no value to the purchasers?
Every year our tax dollars feed, clothe, and house men and women who are prevented from contributing to society. To be exact, the last year figures were calculated; Illinois spent $740 million in prisons. That does not even consider the economic value that prisoners could have contributed to society’s well being!
How do so many capable individuals end up behind bars?
To be sure, poor personal choices, coupled with the social ills of poverty, violence, abuse, and neglect, have contributed to the plight of prisoners, but only one trend equally characterizes all incarcerated populations – regular drug use.
Substance abuse is an equal opportunity drain on our society’s well being. Nearly 75% of all White, as well as Black, and over 60% of Hispanic prisoners admit to regular drug use prior to incarceration.
It’s simple – Less substance abuse, Less prisoners.
Today’s global economy requires every individual to be a contributing member of society. We don’t have a single person to waste!
Canaan’s SAFE House (Substance Abuse Free Environment) ministry channels human and economic resources back INTO society by attacking the drug culture with prevention and rehabilitation.