MONROE — When House of Hope, a female sober living facility in Monroe, opened its doors in 2021, SSM Health Monroe Hospital made the connection to support these women through the creation of immediate need baskets. 

When many women arrive at House of Hope, they do not have any personal items with them. Each of the 18 immediate need baskets are filled with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, razor, bath towel, journal, mindfulness coloring book and more. 

“I think these baskets will give women hope, like someone has reached out to them with kindness,” said Tammie Jamiska, SSM Health Community Health Specialist. “Our purpose is to give them a little bit of peace when they get to House of Hope and help them to further their journey of therapy and staying sober.” 

Residents of House of Hope are women who have been clean and sober for 30 days and are on a journey to integrate back into the community. While staying in this residential home, they are actively working or are in school. 

“I’m very excited, the baskets are so warm [and] will make them feel so welcomed,” said Susie Schuetz, mentor at House of Hope. “They will have everything they need right in their basket.”