Everett Recovery Cafe Finds New Home in Downtown

Radical hospitality isn’t just an idea at Everett Recovery Cafe, it’s at the very heart of what they do.

That’s the impression I got when I recently toured their soon-to-be new space.

Board members Sharon Gunnerson and Ashley Bolden excitedly shared what the cement floors and raw framing would soon become.

The framework for what will become the new Recovery Cafe // Garret Hunt

Before we got too far into the plans for the new space, though, we grabbed a table to discuss a crucial question: what is Recovery Cafe, exactly?

Recovery Cafe is a welcoming place for anyone who is in recovery. “We’re all in recovery from something,” Gunnerson stated. The cafe’s mission centers on breaking the cycle of homelessness, mental health challenges and addiction. People need recovery support for two years, according to the National Institute of Health.

Board members Sharon Gunnerson and Ashley Bolden in the future Everett Recovery Cafe // Garret Hunt

Everett Recovery Cafe started in a small, 1,200 sq. ft. house on Broadway. Using the same model as the Seattle Recovery Cafe, Everett’s Recovery Cafe provides many resources to its nearly 200 members.

In addition to personal support from staff and other members, members also attend weekly recovery circles (small peer support and accountability groups). Members can participate in classes, art projects, open mics, bingo and more on a regular basis.

The new space will have a dedicated stage for open mic’s and performances // Garret Hunt

The cafe is open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Lunch is provided daily.

It’s not just a place to get help, it’s a place to belong.

“We’re here to help each person’s personal goals. Recovery doesn’t look the same for everybody,” Gunnerson added.

Numerous members have shared that the cafe is what helped them get sober. Or in some cases, what helped save their life.

For a first-time visit, anyone is welcome to check out the cafe. After the first visit, anyone can become a member for free by attending the weekly orientation.

There are only three guidelines members must follow:

24 hours drug and alcohol free.
Attend a recovery circle once per week.
Everybody helps out. Whether it’s dishes, making coffee, or even being there to talk with others.

THE NEW SPACE

Recovery Cafe is moving into a new, nearly 7,000 sq. ft. space behind the Sno-Isle Food Co-op (Where Bar Myx used to be).

What was once a place to drink alcohol will now become a place for those recovering from alcoholism (and the like). Of course, the historic building has been used for many things over the years. Gunnerson pointed out all the divots in the still exposed cement floors, “this space used to be for the horses and carriages,” she shared. Apparently the divots in the cement were put there intentionally as traction for the horses.

Divots in the cement; for the horses of Everett’s past // Garret Hunt

The space is now ready to bring new hope.

Recovery Cafe is temporarily setup at the United Church of Christ as they make their transition. Since taking up temporary residence on the top floor of the church, membership has more than doubled to over 170 members. The new space will allow Recovery Cafe to expand their program and meet the demand they see in our community.

The cafe is hoping to open doors to the new space this September.

Many materials and labor have been donated. Businesses have contributed to make the dream a reality. The cafe needs more financial support to finish their space, though.

Some of the sponsors helping make the new Everett Recovery Cafe a reality // Garret Hunt

Whether you can give financially to help the space be finished, or volunteer to help out, Recovery Cafe is an asset in our community worth supporting.

Learn more about Everett Recovery Cafe