Understanding Supportive Housing: A Path to Lasting Recovery in North Carolina 

When facing substance use or mental health challenges, safe and structured living is crucial to support the healing journey. Supportive housing—a model combining housing with clinical and lifestyle assistance—has become a proven method to help individuals regain stability, purpose and independence. Pyramid Healthcare in North Carolina offers two outstanding supportive housing programs: Grace House in Alexander and River House in Asheville. Let’s explore what supportive housing is, why it matters and why these North Carolina locations are exceptional options. 

What Is Supportive Housing? 

Supportive housing is more than just a roof over your head—it’s a comprehensive system that blends secure, sober living with therapeutic and practical support. According to the supportive housing model, clients gain access to stable, affordable housing that’s paired with tailored case management, life skills training, clinical services and peer support. This hybrid approach—sometimes referred to as “Housing First”—prioritizes housing as the foundation for recovery, while offering ongoing support to address the root causes of instability, such as trauma, co‑occurring disorders or lack of life skills. 

What Supportive Housing Offers at Grace House & River House 

Grace House – Alexander, NC 

Located in the quiet community of Alexander, Grace House offers supportive housing specifically designed for women in early recovery. The program provides a stable, safe and structured environment where residents can focus on healing while building life skills and routines that support long-term sobriety. 

• Fully furnished bedrooms, each equipped with a personal TV for comfort and privacy 

• Nutritious meals prepared daily by an in-house chef, with lunch and dinner served hot and a continental breakfast available each morning 

• 24/7 staff supervision to maintain safety, structure and accountability 

• Access to a landline phone for personal and professional calls 

• Transportation to essential services such as 12-step meetings, medical appointments and court appearances 

Additionally, women receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and structured life skills support, including help with job searching and resume writing—preparing them for employment, independence and reintegration into the community. 

River House – Asheville, NC 

The River House program in Asheville is a 13-bed, men-only residence offering: 

• Immersive structure through 30 hours/week PHP (partial hospitalization) at a nearby Pyramid center 

• 24/7 staff supervision to ensure safety, consistency and crisis intervention 

• On-site gym facilities, shared community areas and quiet zones to support emotional, social and physical wellness 

• Nutritious meals (continental breakfast; chef-prepared lunch and dinner), transportation to 12-step meetings, appointments, job interviews and court dates—all reinforcing real-world readiness. 

Additionally, River House fully supports medication-assisted treatment (MAT) clients, including methadone users—demonstrating Pyramid Healthcare’s inclusive, evidence-based care philosophy. 

Why Supportive Housing Works 

A Proven Foundation for Stability 

Numerous studies show that combining permanent housing with structured services dramatically increases housing retention, reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations and lowers incarceration rates. Even chronically homeless individuals maintain housing at notably higher rates when given apartment-based supportive housing over alternatives like shelters. 

Cost‑Effective Recovery 

Supportive housing significantly cuts public expenditure on crisis services. The Housing First model in Seattle reduced alcohol use among chronically homeless people by one-third, while another study showed savings up to $30,000 per person annually in public service costs. 

Holistic Support That Empowers 

Beyond merely addressing substance use or mental health, supportive housing fosters: 

• Daily life structure and responsibility 

• Chains of accountability via 24/7 staff and peer cohorts 

• Practical skills like employment readiness, budgeting and transportation navigation 

• A safe, empowerment-based atmosphere that respects individuality, recovery paths and diversity of need 

Why Choose Pyramid Healthcare in North Carolina? 

Integrated Model Across Services 

Pyramid’s supportive housing blends tightly with their full continuum of care—PHP, IOP, MAT, ACTT, aftercare and specialty services—all available in NC locations. This means clients can seamlessly move through different intensities of care while staying grounded in stable housing. 

Medicaid & Insurance Access 

Pyramid’s programs are Medicaid-friendly and accept private insurance—putting no financial barriers between clients and recovery. 

 Local Focus and Experienced Staff 

Both Grace House and River House benefit from seasoned program directors like Ashley Aspacher, staff trained in recovery support and proximity to community-driven services in Alexander and Asheville. 

Aftercare & Transition Planning 

As clients progress, River House injects substantial aftercare support—coordinating outpatient appointments, MAT continuity, financial planning and employment referral—so the journey doesn’t stop with graduation—it evolves. 

Why Pick North Carolina? 

North Carolina offers a warm, community-conscious setting ideal for recovery. Asheville, known for its healing mountain environment, and Alexander, with its calm rural backdrop, give a meaningful backdrop to growth. With Pyramid’s full suite of treatment options and accessible funding, supportive housing in NC stands out as both accessible and transformative. 

A Launchpad for Long-Term Recovery 

Supportive housing isn’t a stopgap—it’s a springboard to life. It places individuals within a caring, structured environment where housing stability, therapeutic support, practical skills and community integration work together to help clients reclaim purpose and autonomy. By investing in holistic recovery rather than short-term fixes, Pyramid Healthcare sets clients on a sustainable path to wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is seeking more than therapy, rehab or outpatient—you want a life-changing solution—Grace House and River House in North Carolina offer that change. Begin your journey today.