Pricing & Enrollment
A Straightforward Tuition Model
Fresh Start Housing is a privately owned, for-profit program. Rather than leaving cost vague, we believe it deserves the same clarity as everything else you’ll experience here.
Tuition is the only cost. Housing, utilities, food, and program amenities are included at no additional charge. Instead of masking cost behind a flat fee, we use a graduated tuition schedule that starts low and increases gradually as you secure employment and stable income. This structure exists for a reason. Learning to prioritize a recurring payment, budget around it, and build a consistent payment history is part of the financial education the program is built to deliver. Maintaining a current tuition balance is a condition of remaining in the program.
This schedule has been in place since 2009, with one increase in that time. That kind of stability isn’t an accident. It reflects a program built to last, not one adjusting rates to chase revenue.
| Month | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 1 | $300* |
| 2 | $325 |
| 3 | $350 |
| 4 | $375 |
| 5 | $400 |
| 6 | $415 |
| 7 | $430 |
| 8 | $445 |
| 9 | $460 |
| 10 | $475 |
| 11 | $490 |
| 12 | $505 |
| 13 | $520 |
| 14 | $535 |
| 15 | $550 |
First-month tuition is flexible and may be adjusted based on individual circumstances until you secure your first paycheck.
Who Can Apply
- Ages 20 to 50 (age waivers available on a case-by-case basis)
- Currently working with the Department of Correction before discharge
- Referred through probation or parole
- In recovery with 90 days of sobriety following discharge
- Enrolled in a titration program as part of medication-assisted treatment
You do not need to be homeless or discharged from a facility to apply. Many residents come to the program to prevent homelessness before it happens.
Enrollment Requirements
- Employment at a minimum of 40 hours per week. Residents attending school full-time may meet this requirement with part-time work of at least 30 hours per week instead.
- Full participation in the 15-month program
- Weekly attendance at the financial literacy class
- 10% of all earnings placed into a personal savings account
- Maintained sobriety throughout the program
Additional House Requirements
- Agreement to a drug-, alcohol-, and smoke-free living environment
- Continued attendance at outside rehabilitation or support systems, as needed
Enrollment Process
Enrollment begins with an introduction and interview appointment, along with a visit to the residential house when possible. If you’re currently in detention or a rehabilitation program, your caseworker can help arrange this through a Zoom call instead. Otherwise, a phone call to 765-598-5147 is all it takes to schedule an in-person interview, typically about an hour. Interviews are available outside standard business hours whenever the situation calls for it.
Length of Stay
15 months, maximum.
Location
212 N. 7th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept couples? No, the program does not accept couples.
Do I need a full-time job if I’m attending school? Employment is required, but if you’re attending school full-time, part-time work of at least 30 hours per week meets the requirement. The program runs 15 months with the goal of full self-sufficiency by the end, so consistent income matters throughout.
Will you help me find a job? Yes. Fresh Start Housing draws on a range of employment resources, including direct connections with local manufacturers, to match residents with work that fits their needs.
Can I continue seeing my current care providers? Yes, and it’s required. Residents must stay connected to their existing care providers to ensure a stable transition. Fresh Start Housing provides bridge support alongside those services, recognizing that people coming from inpatient mental health treatment or the judicial system need that bridge to re-establish themselves safely in the community.
Do I have to be homeless or discharged from a facility to apply? No. The program is often used to prevent homelessness before it happens, not just to respond to it after the fact.
Are pets allowed? No, due to the communal nature of the living environment.