The 209 House: A Safe Haven for Women in Recovery

Addiction is a struggle that affects not only individuals but also their families, friends, and communities. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, one woman has taken a stand to help those fighting this battle. Alison Cruz, a local realtor and property owner, has transformed one of her rental properties into The 209 House—a transitional home for women recovering from addiction.
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A Personal Mission
For Cruz, The 209 House is more than just a rental property; it’s a deeply personal mission. Having grown up witnessing friends and loved ones struggle with substance abuse, she always wanted to provide support for those in recovery. When one of her properties became available, the timing aligned with her longtime friend Kayla Edvall’s journey to sobriety. Edvall, a mother of a five-year-old son, Emmitt, was finishing treatment for alcoholism but faced the challenge of finding a stable and supportive environment post-treatment.

Recognizing the gap in recovery resources for women in Grand Forks, Cruz opened the doors of The 209 House, offering Edvall and other women in similar situations a place to rebuild their lives.

A Critical Need for Transitional Housing
The transition from treatment back into everyday life is often a fragile period for those in recovery. Without stable housing, many are forced to return to environments where substance use is prevalent, increasing the risk of relapse. Cruz understands this struggle, stating, “How do you expect to stay clean and sober when you’re around people who are actively using? It doesn’t work.”

The 209 House provides a structured, supportive space for up to eight women at a time. The home is designed not only to offer a roof over their heads but also to provide accountability and encouragement as they navigate their recovery journeys.

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Structure and Support
Participants at The 209 House are required to attend at least three Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings per week. They pay a $500 monthly program fee, which covers all utilities and grants access to shared resources such as a laptop for job searches, virtual meetings, and additional recovery tools.

Cruz is selective about who she accepts into the program. The application process ensures that participants are committed to their recovery, have successfully completed treatment, and are ready to engage in a positive community environment. “I’m not just accepting anybody in here,” Cruz emphasizes. “They need to have a good attitude. They need to be respectful to staff and their peers. They have to keep their area clean.”

Honoring a Legacy
Beyond providing transitional housing, The 209 House is also a tribute to a lost friend. Cruz dedicated the house to Shayna Jo DuBois, a close friend who lost her life to addiction nearly three years ago. “She was the mother to three kids. She was a daughter; she was a sister; she was one of my best friends since I was 13 years old,” Cruz shares. By putting a face to the reality of addiction, Cruz hopes to inspire women in recovery to choose a different path.

Community Support and Future Goals
Ultimately, Cruz hopes The 209 House will empower women to achieve long-term success, including homeownership and financial independence. “I want them to be able to see that you can have more,” she says.

The 209 House has received overwhelming support from the community. People have donated clothing, purchased necessary items from a Walmart registry, and volunteered their time to help. Cruz acknowledges that while she has laid the foundation, sustaining and expanding this mission will require continued community involvement.

To assist in those efforts, The 209 House has partnered with the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region and can now accept tax-deductible donations to support their mission. To make a one-time or recurring gift, click here.

By providing a safe, stable environment for women in recovery, The 209 House is not just changing lives—it’s saving them.