What Others Had to Say About PCH

I was a resident at Pacific Coast House for 3 months in August till October 2007.I had found out about it from a friend who had lived there previously and suggested my search for a decent sober living should end there. Sure enough, I soon found out for myself that worthy living in a safe environment still does exist. The house is warm and impeccably tidy with all aspects of comfort, relaxation and the amenities provided for. I personally liked that there was no chores to trouble or confuse me in the mornings. No meeting cards either. The owner, Frank Renfro believes in accountability rather than rigid treatments for the mature and adult alcoholic/addict.

As for recovery, PCH played a major part in my growth and strength in sobriety. It is a requirement to attend a 12 step meeting everyday and I emphasize how getting into this habit on a regular basis is one of the biggest tools I acquired while at PCH. The yoga guru, the massage therapist Lisa Stewart, the maid Isabella and the cat, Chico, all contribute to the unique quality of life there. All the residents see the in-house therapist, Eric Nada, once a week if they choose, and some, including myself, continue therapy with him to this day.

As for the residents, PCH is a safe haven, void of the all too familiar day-to-day drama of sober living environment. Everyone is busy with work, school or volunteering but there is an unspoken kindness and consideration toward each other. The house rules are pertinent and reasonable. But, in the case of a relapse, there is no second chance, as far as I know. Sometimes, Frank takes us out on his boat and gets dinner for the house. I have seen Frank work with others in the program and I must admit, he is one of the few good men who really walk the talk. He has helped me tremendously in my personal struggles and spiritual growth.

Last, but not least, if you are serious about recovery and value your sobriety, I sincerely recommend that you choose Pacific Coast House for your peace of mind and leave the rest to God.
Peace,

Ching T. (India)
December 2007.

October 21 , 2007

Here is a letter of recommendation for helping me out so much this past year. I hope this account of my experience will help others to see how much you really care about what you do.

I arrived at the pacific coast house at the beginning of spring 2007 and my life has never been the same. The week leading up to my arrival was just like the countless other times I had tried to get sober and they all had been a large failure up to that point. I was out of money and options so I had been kicking heroin at a strangers house, she was a wonderful women deeply imbedded in AA and was helping me out. She knew frank the owner of The Pacific Coast House and with one week I went to check the place out. I was against the idea of going to a sober living but my idea of sobriety was eating frozen food and watching law order for a few days until I got loaded again. I meet frank and he and my friend from AA talked and it was decided I should move in that night and stay until I could get into a county sponsored program or the homeless shelter in Laguna Beach. Through a few twists of fate or god or something I ended up staying six months and loving every minute well almost every minute. Since I didn't go to treatment or detox in a hospital my first couple weeks were pretty tough. I had to get used to being uncomfortable but by dealing with that stuff I have learned how to cope with life, which has its ups and downs just like my emotional state that first couple of weeks. Every day I would get up and go to a morning AA meeting and then get through the day. I cherished those nights cause I had fought addiction and beaten it for that day and I loved to hang out with the other people at the house and talk with them about having one more day. Having a structured yet relaxed atmosphere with others in my position really helped me make that first month, something I had not had since I was fourteen. At 30 days I talked with frank and it was decided I should get a job so I went of to work detailing cars. My days consisted of a morning meeting then work then dinner at the house and hanging out at the house, and there was always something to do like BBQ on the grill or going in the Jacuzzi or watching sports or a movie on the big screen. My days off I usually ended up at the beach or some of us from the house would go out to the movies or a baseball game. I was slowly learning to have a life and I thank frank for that. I was working a strong AA program but I was also working showing up on time and not complaining, and gaining a social network of sober people to spend my off time with. After a few months I had things to a semi normal state I had a better job and was happy and had integrity about myself. It was important though that I still had the structure of the house even with a few months or I would have surely relapsed. I was grateful because if I had a rough day at work or life threw me a curve ball I could always talk with people at the house who were experiencing similar situations and I was able to work through them and get to be I am today. I would not have the level of sobriety or the quality of life I have now almost a year later if it had not been for learning how to live at the Pacific Coast House. }

Thank you so very much Frank. I hope I can repay you for all you did.

Sincerely,
P.B. (California)

November 02, 2007

I, Eddie B., a former resident am here to let you know how much my stay at pacific cost house has helped me become a sober member for the AA community. My experience at the house is one I'll never forget. The PCH house was a wonderful place to rehabilitate me back into the world. I came to the house from a three-month stay at Betty Ford and it was the perfect place for me at that time. The house provided an out standing safe environment from me to grow in. Frank Renfro (owner/ house manager) is an active member of the AA community in Dana Point and got me connected right away. There is nothing like having a house manager that has time and is willing to sit down and talk when you're in a tough place. The accommodations at the house are that of a luxury hotel. When I was a resident in the house I was in a shared from with one other resident. The room had more than enough space for the two of us. We were expected to have are rooms cleaned at all times witch taught me structure that I still use today. Nothing is better than coming home to a clean house after a long day at work. With the housekeeping service that is provided for all the communal areas I never had to worry about that. I started my whole life over at PCH, from getting a job to getting my drivers license and a car back. Frank was there to give me that little extra push when I needed it. PCH is still a place I can come back to when I'm having an off day or just need to talk to a few sober newcomers. The PCH house is coed. This assisted me in respecting everyone for who they are. Male, female, 2days sober, or 3 months sober I recommend the PCH house to anyone willing to get sober but just cant do it on their own. It's a great place to live; given another chance I would relive my stay all over the same way. To anyone thinking about coming to pacific cost house, I hope to see you soon.

Eddie B.
(Arizona)