Brian’s Safehouse Breaks Ground on New Recovery Residence Funded by West Virginia First Foundation

PROSPERITY, W.Va. — Brian’s Safehouse will break ground Friday on a new men’s recovery residence made possible through a Momentum Initiative Grant from the West Virginia First Foundation. The ceremony is set for 1 p.m. on February 20 at the Safehouse campus in Raleigh County.
The new residence — named Cormie’s Cottage — will house 8 to 12 men plus a staff member, doubling the capacity of the organization’s 12‑month residential recovery program. Leaders say the expansion will help meet growing demand for long‑term, structured support for individuals working to overcome substance use disorders.
Leon Brush, cofounder and CEO of Brian’s Safehouse, will join Director of Operations Rachel Thaxton, West Virginia First Foundation CFO Anthony Woods, contractor Jason Rock of Rock Homes, Inc., and former Safehouse instructor Cormie Hildebrand for the groundbreaking.
The West Virginia First Foundation says the project reflects its commitment to responsibly investing opioid settlement funds in programs that strengthen the state’s treatment and recovery system. The Foundation was created to distribute settlement dollars to prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm‑reduction initiatives across West Virginia.
Brian’s Safehouse operates faith‑based residential programs for men and women, including the Safehouse for men and Sparrow’s Nest for women. Residents participate in a year‑long, closed‑campus program that includes classes, counseling, work projects, life‑skills training, and support for rebuilding family relationships. The organization also provides aftercare services, family housing, transportation assistance, and free community meetings for individuals seeking help with addiction.
Friday’s ceremony will take place at Brian’s Safehouse, 368 Dearing Drive in Prosperity. Parking is available at the Parvin Day Center behind the Safehouse, with additional parking in front.
Note: The street address for Brian’s Safehouse is transitioning to 165 Reality Road, Mount Hope.