Frequently Asked Questions
I need help paying a deposit. What should I do first?
Fill out the online Financial Assistance Application.
You can find the online application by clicking the "CLICK HERE TO APPLY" button located below. You can also click on the "APPLY" tab in the site navigation menu above.
We also have printable paper applications available HERE. Completed paper applications can be scanned and emailed to our office.
Email requests for assistance, not accompanied by a scanned paper application, will not be accepted.
All applications MUST be submitted online.
What is a "Sober Deposit"?
A "sober deposit" is very much like a security or damage deposit that is collected by a landlord before a tenant moves into a living space. Sober deposits are a one-time fee, that are refundable at the end of the tenant's contract or program agreement.
What happens to the Sober Deposit after a Pink Cloud Foundation recipient moves out of a sober home?
Once a tenant moves out of a sober house, and they have fulfilled all of the obligations required by their lease/program contract, the refundable amount is given to the tenant by the house manager/owner.
Many recipients go on to use these funds to pay a deposit on their own apartment, or rent a room living with new sober friends. The idea is to allow the gifted funds to be used not once, but twice, in the recipient's recovery journey.
On the other hand, some recipients decide to "pay it forward" and choose to donate the funds back to Pink Cloud Foundation, so that it can go to someone who might just be starting on their own road to recovery.
What is Substance Use Disorder?*
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is the persistent use of drugs (including alcohol) despite substantial harm and adverse consequences.
*This information is for general knowledge purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or medical professional for more information.
Can Pink Cloud Foundation help pay my Rent, Utility Bills, Program Fees, or other Personal Expenses?
No. Unfortunately, Pink Cloud Foundation can only provide financial assistance for sober deposits. In the future, as our organization grows, and donor support increases, we hope to expand our services to meet more of our client's needs.
What is Pink Cloud Syndrome?*
Pink Cloud Syndrome is defined as "the state of mind, usually experienced in early sobriety (Day 14 to 45)", characterized by extreme happiness, sudden clarity, and overconfidence. This "natural high" feels very similar to the "high" we felt during our time in active use of drugs and/or alcohol.
Although this "Pink Cloud" phase can be a very positive experience, there are many pitfalls associated with it as well. Most notably,
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
*This information is for general knowledge purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or medical professional for more information.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?*
Often following the "pink cloud" phase of recovery, Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can create many potential dangers for those who aren’t prepared for it. PAWS represents the lingering effects of drug and alcohol addiction as the brain and body slowly heals itself. Symptoms lasting from a few months to a couple of years, may include: Depression, Anxiety, Trouble Sleeping, and Mood Swings.
*This information is for general knowledge purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or medical professional for more information.
What is a "Recovery Residence"?
National Association for Recovery Residences (NARR) defines recovery residence as a “sober, safe, and healthy living environment that promotes recovery from alcohol and other drug use and associated issues.” A good recovery residence provides a community-based environment to initiate and sustain recovery – defined as abstinence from alcohol and other non-prescribed drug use, and improvement in one’s physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.
"Recovery Residence" vs. "Halfway House" ...What's the difference?
When you’re looking for support while you work on your sobriety skills, it’s important to understand the difference between a recovery residence and a halfway house, so you can decide which one might be right for you.
Today, some recovery residences are affiliated with addiction treatment centers, while others, are managed by a trusted sober living peer, often called a "House Manager". The House Manager's sole focus is to provide a safe living environment for people who are in this early stage of recovery.
So what is a halfway house? By contrast, halfway houses are typically run by government agencies. Halfway houses can be sometimes be more crowded and "dorm-like", while recovery residences are structured more like a private residence, affording residents more privacy and comfort.
Another key difference between recovery residences and halfway houses is the cost. Halfway houses tend to be the less expensive option, because they typically have fewer amenities, little privacy and less structure. However, recovery residences are sometimes covered by insurance, which makes this a viable option for people who could benefit from this level of support.
What is the *Legal Notice for participants and volunteers in the Pink Cloud PETS Program?
*Legal Notice:
Pet Owners & Foster Volunteers participating in the Pink Cloud Pets Program, agree to the following:
"Any and all arrangements for animal/pet fostering and/or caretaking are made solely between the pet owner(s) and the private foster volunteer. Pink Cloud Foundation, including all Executive & Board Directors, and Employees or Agents, do/does not have any role in this process, other than maintaining an up-to-date list of interested animal/pet fostering volunteers and making it available, upon request, to individuals seeking short/long-term animal/pet foster care services while participating in an in-patient treatment program, living in a recovery residence, or otherwise unable to care for their own pet(s).
1. Pink Cloud Foundation, including all Executive & Board Directors, and Employees or Agents, does not bear, nor accept, any legal responsibility for any/all activities or actions agreed to, taken/performed by/between:
· Any Private Foster Volunteer(s)
· Pet Owner(s) or Caretaker(s)
· Agent(s) acting on behalf of either party, whether directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to: any medical professional(s), emergency personnel, or any other associate(s) of either party, including any/all 3rd party individuals/businesses or animals/pets owned by, or in the care of, a 3rd party.
2. Pink Cloud Foundation, including all Executive & Board Directors, and Employees or Agents, shall not be held responsible for the occurrence of any event that takes place before, during, or after the foster/caretaking term, such as, but not limited to:
· Injury/death of person(s), or other 3rd party (i.e., animal bites).
· Injury/death of animal(s) or pet(s), including any 3rd party animal(s) or pet(s) (i.e., animal bites).
· Any damage to, or loss of, any personal property, including any 3rd party property.
· Any costs/fees for: Emergency and/or Non-emergency medical care or procedures, laboratory and/or diagnostic services and testing, or any transportation for any person(s).
· Any costs/fees for: Emergency and/or Non-emergency medical care or procedures, laboratory and/or diagnostic services and testing, or any transportation for any animal(s) or pet(s).
· Any cost/fees for: Emergency and/or Non-emergency medical care, or any routine veterinarian care, whether one-time/single or ongoing care/treatment of any acute or chronic illnesses or conditions for any persons or animals/pets, including any known/unknown allergies.
By participating in the Pink Cloud Pets Program, either by contacting a pet foster volunteer, in any way, to inquire about or seek animal/pet fostering services, or by volunteering to be listed on the "Pink Cloud Pets Foster Volunteer List" as a potential foster volunteer, shall hereby constitute your acknowledgment that: (1.) You have been made aware of this Legal Notice, (2.) You have read this Legal Notice in its entirety, and (3.) You understand its content, and (4.) You will abide by and agree to be legally bound by the terms of the agreement contained in this Legal Notice."
