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About Sanctuary Homes

Our Story: Turning Recovery into Purpose

At Sanctuary Homes, Vincent and Sheila’s story began long before their doors officially opened in 2018. They were called to provide a safe haven for men and women in recovery who needed a fresh start. At the time of their union in 2012, giving refuge began as a small act of kindness and developed into something much bigger: a place where men may rediscover who they are and who they were meant to be, with the support of compassion, structure, and hope.

On June 1, 2018, after years of assisting people in rebuilding their lives, they formally established Sanctuary Homes with the following sincere goal:

To give men in need of recovery and respite, a sanctuary where they find peace and safety. A place where they can clear their heads to see within themselves, embrace their God given place in this world, and develop life practices that will continue to serve them and others well their entire lives.

Our Founders’ Journey

Vincent and Sheila have both been on their own road to recovery before teaming up in 2012. Vince had experienced addiction, homelessness, and jail time. He graduated in 2010 from the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Perris, California, where he found sobriety and recovery for 15 years now. He found purpose, his life started to change and he hungers to be of service to others in their life changing pursuits.

Sheila also has been in recovery for more than 26 years. After living solely for selfish pursuits, in addiction and rebellion, she found 15 years of clean time through a spiritual only program that gave her a foundation built on The Rock; it taught her how to live with honesty, and gratitude.  It was in 2014 she embraced the full program of recovery, learning principals for everyday living that was desperately needed.

Before starting Sanctuary Homes, they served in street ministry across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside, helping people in need of shelter, encouragement, and prayer. Service is at the heart of who they are. Every person deserves the chance to start again, no matter where life has taken them.

Together, they came to see that their experiences, passions, talents and purposes combined were a force for good.  With shared vision and an arsenal of hope, they began to build a space where people could develop, heal and prosper.

Our Growth and Impact

Since opening their doors, more than 56 men have called Sanctuary Homes their home during a crucial chapter in their recovery. Some arrived directly from prison, the streets, or rehabilitation programs. Others came simply looking for a safe space to rebuild.

They have watched men find employment, find careers that provide future retirement, reunite with their families, assist their family members get clean and sober, buy their first cars, celebrate sobriety milestones, and move forward with confidence. Each person who passes through their doors leaves a lasting impact on them, and they are grateful to walk beside them for part of their journey.

Even for those who may have left prior to finding their firm footing, they believe that every seed planted in men’s lives will grow in time. Recovery is a process, and they trust that God continues His work long after they leave their home.

Our Mission and Beliefs

At Sanctuary Homes, recovery is not just about staying sober. It is about healing, learning, growing in character, and discovering purpose again. Their goal is to help each man regain his footing, find inner peace, and reconnect with the world around him.

They support their guests through:

  • Guidance to Faith: Encouraging every man to find a personal relationship with a God of their understanding and search out the program of recovery for daily living.
  • Practical Support: Exhaust all resources to get information, documents, goods/services or applications submitted that they need to prosper.
  • Life Skills Development: Teaching and/or refreshing the concepts of healthy habits, values and decision making processes for effective and prosperous daily living.
  • Fellowship: Creating a positive home where men learn to support and respect one another. Promote healthy social circles outside of the home.
  • Community: They provide an opportunity to formally participate in monthly outreaches to our hurting community and can resource you to many programs that need you to volunteer.
  • Clean, Safe Housing: Providing a comfortable, well-maintained environment free from aggression or substance use.

They meet each person where they are and walk beside them every step of the way. Recovery is not a race, it is a journey of progress, patience, and faith.

Our Promise

You become family as soon as you enter Sanctuary Homes, not just a guest. No matter how minor or great your triumphs may be, they celebrate you; birthdays, a new car, a sobriety milestone, or reestablished family relationships. You will be supported and coached through the tough times, brought to known resources, given grace and covered in prayer.

They believe that recovery from adverse life experiences and addiction is not the end of the story. A new chapter, one that is full of possibility, purpose, and peace of mind, is about to begin.