Monroe — A new center to aid those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction is expected to open in the city of Monroe this fall. The Saint Joseph Center of Hope will provide 24-hour crisis intervention for those suffering from addiction.

Through an agreement with ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan is planning to open the center in a refurbished facility on the hospital grounds. The project is the result of a partnership with ProMedica, the Community Foundation of Monroe County Monroe Health Plan Endowment Fund, and the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan.

“Through our $120,000 grant, the largest in our history, the partnership with Catholic Charities and ProMedica will be a major step in curbing the drug and alcohol addiction problem in our community,” said Community Foundation of Monroe County executive director Kathleen Russeau. “We look forward to this much-needed facility.”

In addition, a portion of the project funding comes from the sale of the former St. Joseph Parish in Monroe. Catholic Charities has been working with St. John the Baptist Parish in Monroe to ensure funds from the sale of St. Joseph Parish would go to a ministry to support social justice programs in the Monroe area.

“We are very excited for our partnership with all these community organizations to make an impact in the Monroe community together,” said Wendy Klinski, assistant director of behavioral health for Catholic Charities in Monroe.

The purpose of the new Saint Joseph Center of Hope will be to connect individuals in active addiction to resources available in the community to begin the transition towards recovery.

“The center will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support to individuals in active addiction by connecting them to resources,” said Klinski. “Our goal with this new center is to provide a warm, welcoming environment for those in need of help. We want to provide clients and their families with the hope they desperately need for a brighter future.”

Kelly Luttinen is marketing and communication coordinator for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan.