A Richmond-based nonprofit that provides services for the homeless, recovering addicts and former inmates returning to the community from jail and prison is expanding its housing operations.

REAL LIFE has already added one new residential space this month and will open another next week.

A new men’s home opened Feb. 2, and a new group home for women is scheduled to open Tuesday, Feb. 16, said Dr. Sarah Scarbrough, founder and director of REAL LIFE.

Together, the two new locations will add 20 desperately needed beds to the 60 beds the organization has operated in six other group homes, she said.

Dr. Scarbrough credited two gifts with enabling the expansion—a $100,000 donation from the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond and a $20,000 grant

from a partnership involving the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences.

She said REAL LIFE used the funds to open its sixth home in December and to open the two new homes this month. Before the gifts, she said REAL LIFE already had grown from three group homes to five.

“This is a big addition at a time when so many need our services. Last year, we turned away almost 100 individuals, many newly released from jails or prisons, due to a shortage of housing,” Dr. Scarbrough stated.

She began REAL LIFE more than four years ago while working at the Richmond Justice Center and has continued its operations after leaving her post at the city jail.

She said people admitted to the transition recovery homes don’t have to pay any initial fees or charges to get in, but are expected to become paying tenants.

The program offers a structured environment promoting transition from incarceration, substance abuse or homelessness to independent living. Residents are helped with securing employment and also get wrap-around services to support their sobriety and enable them to deal with other challenges.

As a result of COVID-19, REAL LIFE is offering most of its programming and classes virtually. The organization has shut down its community center on Main Street in Downtown.

Outside of the group homes, REAL LIFE is offering appointment-only services at 1111 N. 25th St., Dr. Scarbrough stated.