Our Story

For a brief period, from 1987 to 1988, two recovery homes operated: one on English Street and a second on Gower Street. Eventually the English Street property was sold and only the current home on Gower Street remains.St. Stephen's House of London was conceived as a long-term recovery home and respite for men. The men were to live in a homelike atmosphere where they were treated with care and respect. Their placement was longer than other short-term recovery placements available (which are generally 8 months). Eventually, most men rejoined their families and their community, as sober and participating members.Initially, St. Stephen's House was fully funded by the Sisters of St. Joseph. In 2000, as Sister St. Patrick became ill and unable to continue her ministry, Bev Thomson was approached to assume the role of manager. In 2004, St. Stephen's House was turned over to Turning Point Inc., for the sum of $1, with the provision that Bev Thomson continue in her role. St. Stephen's House continued to operate with no government funding.By June 2014, St. Stephen's House of London was incorporated and prepared to operate as a stand-alone, not-for-profit, charitable organization committed to the rehabilitation of men with chronic addiction problems, adhering to the initial vision of Sister St. Patrick.In 2018 St. Stephen's House of London received a substantial inheritance. Through this gift we were able to purchase our women's residence at 25 Blackfriars Street. On February 1, 2020, after a year and a half of renovations and countless volunteer hours, 25 Blackfriars opened for the first female residents.Today, the primary service of St. Stephen's House of London is the operation of recovery homes for men and women who have the desire to remain clean and sober, as well as develop a healthy lifestyle. Our recovery program is based in the concepts of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.