Celebrating Pride Month at Van Ness Recovery House
Pride is more than a parade—it’s a powerful reminder of who we are, how far we’ve come, and the community that lifts us up every single day. At Van Ness Recovery House, Pride lives in every resident’s courageous first step, every meeting filled with hope, and every story of recovery that reaffirms the strength of our LGBTQ+ family.
For over 50 years, we’ve proudly served as a safe haven and healing space for those often pushed to the margins. This month, we celebrate not just visibility, but transformation—the kind that happens when people are loved exactly as they are and supported every step of the way.
As Pride flags wave across the city, we honor the trailblazers who made this moment possible, the residents who inspire us daily, and the future we’re building together—one of sobriety, dignity, and joy.
Whether you’re marching, mentoring, or making space for someone in need, thank you for being part of our Pride story.
And if you believe in what we do—there’s a powerful way to help.
When you support Van Ness Recovery House, you’re helping LGBTQ+ individuals step into recovery with dignity, hope, and a deep sense of belonging. Your generosity sustains the life-changing work we do—providing care, connection, and community to those who need it most.
Because everyone deserves to live with pride—every month of the year.
Cooking Up Hope: VNRH Kitchen Renovation Underway!
Exciting changes are underway here at Van Ness Recovery House! Thanks to a remarkable $350,000 grant from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, our cherished 71-year-old kitchen is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. Construction has already begun and is on track to finish by Labor Day. The fully renovated space will boast brand-new commercial-grade appliances, spacious walk-in refrigeration, stainless steel food preparation areas, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, fresh paint, and expanded pantry storage.
This kitchen renovation symbolizes much more than simply modernizing our equipment—it embodies hope, dignity, and a clear pathway to lasting sobriety. The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation made this transformative gift because of their deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities and providing essential resources for meaningful personal transformation. The renovated kitchen will equip residents with vital skills such as nutritious meal preparation, budget management, and job-ready culinary training, helping them confidently reintegrate into society.
Special thanks to John Gile and Brad Bessey for their instrumental role in making this possible. This generous grant fuels our broader Capital Campaign to fully renovate and rejuvenate our landmark 1954 facility. Next, we aim to renovate residential bedrooms, the dining room, meeting spaces, administrative offices, living areas, and exterior grounds. We invite you to keep the momentum going! Consider donating toward a bedroom renovation or establishing a monthly gift to support the renewal of the entire house—because every contribution helps create lasting recovery and brighter futures.
How Can I Help?
Our journey towards our mission is made possible by the generosity of our donors. It’s not just a goal; it’s a transformative journey fueled by inspiring stories of recovery. Your support is crucial in bringing these stories to life, and there are several impactful ways you can contribute:
Donate: Your financial contributions breathe life into stories of hope. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring commitment for our capital campaign, your support fuels our mission. You can visit our website here!
Spread the Word: Every story shared becomes a beacon of inspiration. Help us extend our reach by sharing our mission with your network and raising awareness about the work we do.
Connect with Us: Stay connected with us through social media and our newsletter. By engaging with our stories of inspiration, you become an active part of the narrative, turning stories of possibility into shared realities.
“If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.”
– Zanele Muholi