What’s the Big Deal about Transitional Living? Why it’s Vital in Oklahoma and Beyond.
The Ridge provides long-term support for individuals to thrive.
Kedrick Nettleton, Community Engagement Manager
If you’ve kept up with The Spring at all over the last few months, you probably know all about our new transitional living program. Since we first purchased the property that became The Ridge, we couldn’t wait to realize our dream of offering a next step for those seeking restoration after the trauma of abuse or trafficking. On Monday, we got to do just that, welcoming our first individuals and families to their cabins.
But through all the excitement of our grand opening and the Roots of Renewal campaign that makes this new program possible, you still might be wondering: What’s the big deal about transitional living?
The truth is, these programs are vital for long-term recovery — that’s why government agencies continue to advocate for more of these facilities. As we fully launch the program this week, we thought it would be a good idea to talk through some of the reasons that The Ridge represents a huge step forward.
Transitional Living Meets a Different Need Than Crisis Shelter
Emergency shelters are designed for those fleeing unsafe situations, providing for the safety and basic needs of survivors for a short time. But they’re often not designed to go further. These individuals still need to find housing and create a plan for when they leave the shelter, and many simply don’t have positive options. In some cases, they end up back with an abuser because they don’t have anywhere else to go.
We at The Spring are familiar with these cycles of violence, and it’s one of the reasons that we first dreamt of providing a next step for survivors. Transitional living offers longer-term care and supportive services for lasting change: life skills classes, education and job readiness training, and more. It’s designed for those rebuilding their lives after abuse, something that most emergency shelters are not equipped for.
Transitional Living Programs Help Solve the Housing Barrier for Survivors
We’ve already written about the intersections between domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness, but it’s worth repeating. When someone makes the decision to leave their abusive partner, they face many barriers — none so stark as the need to find safe housing. For a short time, emergency shelters reduce this barrier; transitional living programs can do so for much longer. Residents can live at The Ridge for up to 18 months, working with their support team to create a plan for what comes next. It’s an essential support step in the journeys of hope we often talk about.
Transitional Living Creates a Sense of Home and Belonging
We’re already seeing this happen at The Ridge! Because of the wonderful, hospitable touches that our team created, residents on Monday didn’t just find a cabin — they found a place to call their own for the next year and a half. One little boy in particular was astounded at the cabin he and his mother were moving into — not to mention the ponds, creeks, and walking trails that The Ridge offers. Within a few hours, he wasn’t calling it “the cabin” anymore — it was home.
We’re creating a sense of belonging and community for people who desperately need it. Through group classes, community support, and staff to walk alongside residents, we’re helping these individuals create lasting, generational change.
What could be better than that?