Bible study and work without pay: the shadowy world of sober living homes

In a largely unregulated industry, some residents trying to get sober are made to work 40 hours a week at restaurants - but don't receive a paycheck

This article was first published in Montana Free Press

Kaitlyn, 32, applied for a spot at Hope Center Ministries near the end of 2021 because it seemed like her best option at the time. She had pleaded guilty in February to one count of criminal endangerment related to reckless driving and, after being released, violated her probation by reportedly failing to show up for check-ins and possessing drug paraphernalia.

Court records say she had told her probation officer she'd been using methamphetamine, even as she denied having a problem with drugs or alcohol. The women's sober living home, her attorney advised, would help her get out of jail and give her a structured environment to recover from substance use.