CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A sober housing program is changing the lives of women in North Carolina. 

According to The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, an average of nine North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose in 2020, a 40% increase from the previous year.

What You Need To Know

  • In 2020, an average of nine North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose, according to NCDHHS

  • The Women of Hope New Living provides housing and resources to women

  • The founder is 25 years sober 

The Women of Hope New Living in Charlotte provides housing and resources to women through a 5-year program. Valerie McCray is the founder of the house.

“I started drinking at the age of 9," McCray said. "I was addicted to drugs, alcohol. So, my choice was alcohol and it made me do a lot of things that I would not have ever done if I would’ve been sober-minded."

However, she’s been sober for 25 years now and said her goal is to continue to help dozens of women on their journey to sobriety.

"I am overjoyed with these women," McCray said. "They are awesome. I love them. I kind of speak to them spiritually and they help me in a lot of ways in my own life, and so just me giving back to them, it's just not enough... they get back to me as well."

The Women of Hope New Living is at full capacity but looking to expand.

McCray said she hopes to open an additional facility in Charlotte for women to live on their own.