While traditionally, transitional living facilities were known to cater to people recently released from incarceration, this type of program is most often referred to as a halfway house.
There are many excellent transitional living programs where people with addictions and mental health issues can continue their long term recovery.
With an enormous increase in the use of alcohol, and introduction of opiates from the Far East and Asiatic countries, society in general began to resent the presence of these "drunks" (as they called them) in public.
This protest, along with the efforts of the women's suffrage, and like groups, sparked the prohibition by the Federal Government on any alcoholic production, distribution, use or sale.
This "drunks protest" also caused the development of an unofficial industry of half-shod, shanty structures for the intoxicated (see drunkenness) that were given the name "flophouses" where the "proprietor" would charge inflated prices for use of squalor spaces or rooms to allow the renter to find sobriety.
Together they formed the organization known as Alcoholics Anonymous with its concepts set on the Spiritual matters and on scripture[2] with basic program design from the Oxford Group.
The only major revision made to the original text is that the individual must come to an understanding of God, as they know Him, so as to develop the spiritual relationship and surrender to His will.
[6] Going back to the post World War II era, the returning military personnel from Europe and Asia were faced with many problems and unemployment was one of the major issues.
However, with the gratitude and appreciation of society for the service provided to protect the nation there was the development of a "different view" on alcoholism as many employers found their best workers had "drinking problems."
As the medical community became more acutely aware of the problem the Government (both Local and Federal), especially the Department of Health and Human Services, saw that dramatic intervention and support had to be made.
The "giving" void is not only apparent from the established grants and foundations community but from local governments, Christian churches, and the citizenry as a whole.
In essence most transitional living programs that range from battered women to addiction recovery have the same operational and development standards.
In other words, they have no affiliation or obligation to outside sources other than the required reporting of financial and operational record maintenance to various government or grant giving organizations.
With the self-support status the living center usually charges a nominal rent or fee (some are set on sliding fee scales, some are established with monthly rates and yet others find support finances for each particular individual) that will afford the applicant a safe, clean, secure environment with balanced meals and a specific "care plan" to help bridge learning and application towards their recovery that is geared for their purpose and program.
The weekly or monthly dollar value "rent" varies on venue, location, program purpose, design, intensity and provision, plus any professional involvement or assistance requirements.
Obligatory financial issues such as rent, transportation, and personal care items are the responsibility of the individual resident even though several programs may provide all or part of the above through donation or designated grants funding.
The bulk of the centers try to maintain a "home" atmosphere where a family type relationship is developed between the residents, staff, and volunteers.