Not familiar with rehabs and so on, Lolly and me, new to San Pedro, kept hearing "Beacon House Boys" they do this and that. There actually seems to be some community pride about Beacon House. So as rehabs go, what is different with this one? Basically, what is different is that it's an "as long as it takes" place. Maybe someone needs more than six weeks or six months or even a couple years. They will not be considered "all done" until they are. We think some people who have spent years of their lives in a blur of substances may need the restrictions that some of the reviewers complain about. We want to honor that they have their experience, their truth, and it may have taken some courage to complain too. How does Beacon House afford to do this? There are fund-raisers and donations and the profits of the thrift store on Pacific, but if you're on government benefits as your "income" you're going to have to think of these government benefits as how you pay your way. As we understand it, except for the expensive, private rehabs, the ones that celebrities or other high income people go to, they all are dependent on government funds in some way, Our understanding is that some people need a very controlled, restrictive environment for a while in order to break the lifestyle that they've had addicted. The reason that they are monitored is so they don't go out and do their stuff, which might have included buying and selling. It's hard going but it's not forever even if it feels like it at first. It may also seem incredibly boring compared to being high. So just in living life we have met some of the men who are or where in the program there. We met a man in midlife who had been thrown out of his family's home because of all the drama he was bringing in there because of his addiction. He spent some time at Beacon House. We actually don't know when or how long he stayed there. Maybe a year and a half ago he was off his substances but he was also depressed and feeling that there was nothing left for him but to go on SSI. "This is it for me," he told us. Well, we caught up with him recently, maybe a year since he thought SSI was it for him and he is back with his family, he is off his substances, he is active in a church of his choosing, and most importantly, he has become an apprentice and is employed, bought a car and is driving, and is so much happier and healthier and fulfilled. read more

I have seen this mens recovery facility saves lives, reunites families and support the communities we all live and work.

This update should have come a year ago, but I wanted to circle back and note that my brother graduated college last year. So very proud of him. Thank you for all you continue to do Beacon House read more

My review is on the Beacon House Thrift Store. I went there today and it was my first time. They have great stuff and great prices. They are located on Pacific between 8th and 9th Street, San Pedro, CA. Open Monday -- Sunday until 5 pm. The volunteers were so polite and nice it makes you want to go back and I will. I really enjoyed going to their thrift store today. I do recommend it. Enjoy! read more

When me and my boyfriend decided to move into a new apartment together at the very last second in the middle of my second to last week of grad school when we had not even started to pack or done any of that before-moving preparation, who did we call? The Beacon House! I do not even want to go into the gory details of our move, you might judge me and think less of me and I don't want that. So, yeah, I'll keep that to myself. But, we needed some help and help we got. I called the friendly people at the Beacon House and they said I could come by the next day and pick up two guys to help us out. It would cost $7.50 per hour and if you worked through any meal times, you are obligated to provide them with a meal. The guys were great and they worked really hard. Let's just say stuff wasn't even in boxes when they arrived. Oh, it was bad my friends. But they were great sports and total life savers. I highly recommend the Beacon House to anyone who needs a little extra help moving. read more

This review is for the movers of Beacon House. I found the service through Yelp, and I must add, the guys at Beacon House are the best. The 2 guys who were sent over were very hard-working, courteous, and gracious. The day we moved, it was hot and humid. But seriously, these guys are super men. Rarely taking a breather, lifting all the heavy furniture without the aid of tools or straps, just their bare hands. It was awesome to see them work, up and down 3 stories. You'll have to call the Beacon House and talk to someone in charge of the guys to see if they'll be available. It's not recommended that you call the day of, since many of the men are serving in some other capacity. You'll have to pick up and drop off the guys. I believe they also have an early curfew, so plan on driving them back by around 9 pm. Also, it's recommended that you buy lunch or dinner for the guys. They only charge around $10-15 per hour, per guy, or even less, but it's better that you give them more since doing these odd jobs is a way for them to earn some income. I'm forever grateful for their services and will not hesitate to call on them again! read more

Bistro at Beacon House is a delicious meal put on by the Staff and members of the Beacon House community. Professional in bearing, polished and pleasing during table service with great food and refreshments we enjoyed a splendid time socializing before and during the supper of Tri Tip Steak with fresh vegetables paired with ice tea and coffee. Dessert was savory Brownies topped with rich French Vanilla ice cream as an accompaniment to remarks by the professional members of the Beacon House Staff followed by testimonials by the service staff who are all participants of the Beacon House's programs. It was a deeply touching conclusion to a fine evening under the stars and space heaters in the outdoor setting of the Bartlett Center outdoor social area, one I hope to return to in the Bistro events to come. read more

I was guided to this place when I was in detox in Long Beach, CA. This place really helped me with my drinking, using and low self-esteem. Much thanks Beacon House Staff. read more

In April, I hired two guys from Beacon House to help me with my move. I have a lot of really heavy, large furniture, but they got it done! They were careful with my stuff and didn't damage anything. They were also so polite and easy to get along with. They shared a little bit with me about where they came from and how they're reclaiming their lives with help from the Beacon House Association. I've lived in San Pedro my whole life, and even though this is my first time hiring any of their guys, I always see them around town doing cleanups and participating in other community events. There are other sober living/recovery homes in San Pedro, but none that put in the work that Beacon House and it's guys do. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help moving! read more

Beacon House gave me back my brother! We were always the closest. He was my "man of honor" at my wedding. Then things started going downhill. He became addicted. Slowly he retreated further and further into his addiction. Our time together became more infrequent. Our relationship started to crumble. He tried rehab. Things would be fine the first few weeks he was out, but it always ended the same. Beacon House was a last ditch effort to try to save his life. And honestly, I didn't think it'd work. I figured it would be just like the rest. I could not have been more wrong! This program saved his life- I honestly believe that! It has been over four years and he's still clean and sober. In fact, he is excelling in a way I haven't seen...ever. He's moments away from getting his AS. He's set his sights on UCLA for his BA. He's pursuing a career in drug and alcohol counseling so he can help others the way they helped him. I see a light in his eyes now that was missing for so long. I see his interactions with my parents and my heart wants to burst with joy. He is actually making a wonderful life for himself and those around him. Don't get me wrong, it took real work on his part. He had a lot of soul searching and honest appraisal to get where he is, but I know that my brother is not extraordinary. He hit rock bottom and had the Beacon House to help him rebuild his life. If he can do it, so can your loved one. My family gets to go to the wonderful programs they put on periodically through the year. It is so cool to see all these guys working together, showing each other support, and, dare I say it, love. I know it's a tough road, but this is a program that can make all the difference in chances for success. A really important part of why I think Beacon House is such a great place is their emphasis on community service. These guys are always helping out and serving the community. From parking cars at fundraisers to setting up chairs at a charity auction, the Beacon House supports the community, and themselves, whenever and wherever needed. In short, I can't think of a better place for a man struggling with addiction. I would recommend the Beacon House without a second thought. I also recommend contacting the Beacon House if you need help with an event or fundraiser. I am proud of my brother and thankful every day that he turned his life around. I am forever thankful to Beacon House for helping that happen. read more

Outstanding place for treatment. If a male is committed to treatment, Beacon House will make them into a man. Also an good place to get a Christmas tree. The prices and quality are super and the money goes back to the treatment and services they provide. read more

I attend the dinners at Beacon House and I have talked to several residents all of whom credit BH for their sobriety. And I make a generous donation to them whenever I can. read more

I just wanted to praise the Beacon House, Luis and the Guys for such a great organization. I have used them on several occasions, professionally and personally. Picking them up and bringing them back is a minor price to pay for the good work that they do. I have used them to help serve food at events and also to help move residents into and out of our apartment community in Orange County. They are always pleasant and most gracious. Plus one receives the added bonus of supporting someone while they put their life on a better path. RELATIONSHIPS are what it is all about and I am planning on having a long relationship with the people of this great organization. Kindly, RKS read more

The Beacon House Assn of San Pedro is the best recovery program in this nation. There you will have the opportunity of a life time to look into the psychodynamics of ones addiction and be very clear with cause and effect. Charles Stockman read more

When you decide to go in you are already at the lowest point in your life. The people there talk down to you treat you like less then a human being. No TV, no reading allowed can not go to the bathroom by yourself can not go to the room to lay down when sick, With pretty much nothing to do all day wake you up at 6:30am and not allowed to go to bed until 11:00pm. You can not have any contact with ANYONE for the first year. It pretty much does not cost anything but the cost of your life,dignity,and self esteem. If you want to be brain washed this is the place for you. read more

I think it's about time I reviewed the Beacon House, since it is where I got my start in recovery. As of February 11, 2014, I just celebrated my 21st AA Birthday and have never been more grateful for the start this house gave me. If you are serious about sobriety, give it a shot, it has never been easy, but that comes with sobriety. The men in this house will give you a great foundation. Good luck to all and God bless. read more

This review is for the Christmas Tree lot that the guys down at Beacon House run every year. We've gotten our tree from them for the last three or four years now (yeah, the years are starting to blur together...) and we've had trees that ranged from just OK to fantastic. This year we really hit the jackpot. We stopped in on a Tuesday afternoon and there wasn't too much to pick from - some Douglas but I don't like them - too flimsy to hold up the ornaments - and only a couple of Nobles which is usually what we get - and they were all SHORT!!! I was disappointed. Despite our tiny condo accommodations, we have high ceilings and I love a big, fat tree. We happened to ask if they were going to get any more in, and the guy said he was hoping to go pick up some more either Wednesday or Thursday. So we decided to hold off, and look around town for other options. And there was crap to choose from elsewhere so J went back Wednesday to try again. It sounds like the guy had driven out to some tree farm and gotten a load of freshly cut trees. From the condition of our tree I would believe that. It was nice and green and lush, not the least but dry. It was also soaking wet from the rain so we had to leave it in the garage for a day to dry out. We bought it the 18th - I've learned to hold off until close to Christmas since moving out here to Perpetual Summer - and I think that tree would have easily made it into February. We finally stopped watering it so it would be easier to get it out of the house without spilling on our wood floors. It drank a lot of water, more than any we've ever had, and stayed moist and green the entire time, and we did not add anything to the water. And it hardly dropped any needles - I didn't need to clean up around it at all while it was up and when we moved it out yesterday (1/11) the pile of needles I swept up fit into the palm of my hand. I was actually regretting that we didn't wait another week. But, I really needed my living room back. Usually by this time we are rushing to get the dry, brown tree out of the house before it spontaneously combusts, haha. Silly California Christmas trees. My only complaint about this tree it that it could have been a foot taller, but that seemed to be the case this year - the 8 ft + Noble Firs were just really hard to find. As for the service, every year we have gotten friendly service from those guys, they do a really nice job tying it onto your car, and I think they will even deliver for $5. Tree prices are also a lot better than the tree lots or Home Depot. I don't remember what we paid this year but it was less than the equivalent tree at HD and with the clear quality advantage. The first year we shopped here they were charging almost exactly half of what the tree lot up at 9th and Western was - so we just never looked back. So aside from the price and quality and friendly service, I just really like to support these guys, because from what I understand, this place is really dedicated to helping their guys get sober and stay sober, and do a much better job of it than and of the other thousands of other sobering-up homes in town. Only down sides to shopping here - sketchy-ish neighborhood, and small space means not a huge selection of trees as you might find at the bigger lots. read more