NEW ULM — Brown County may get a board and lodging program for adult drug court participants before long.

In the past, adult drug court participants have had to travel to St. Peter or Mankato for lodging after they have been sober for 30 days.

Housing provider Richard Ruch of Mankato-based Ruch 2 Recovery told Brown County Commissioners Dec. 23 that he is looking at the New Ulm real estate market with hopes of finding a four or five-bedroom house for about nine adult drug court participants to move into early next year.

“We plan to house local people as much as possible. We plan to buy a 4-5 bedroom house in New Ulm to house 6-9 people. We don’t allow predatory offenders. We know how to make it work. Our clients must be sober for 30 days before they enter our lodge,” said Ruch. “Right now, we’re putting Brown County (adult drug court participants) in our Nicollet County lodge. We currently have a house in St. Peter. We’d like to get going in New Ulm in the next few months.”

Commissioner Scott Windschitl asked Ruch if the lodging program requires county funding.

“There should not be any county cost,” Ruch said.

Ruch said his clients share a living space and are eligible for a $293 monthly food allowance and a $1,192 monthly living allowance from the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Commissioner Tony Berg asked Brown County Probation Director Yvonne Westcott how often Brown County residents would use the lodging.

“We usually have 2 or 3 drug court folks at a time needing lodging. We currently take them to St. Peter and Mankato for lodging,” said Westcott.

Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand said drug court participant lodges are licensed and inspected by county public health.

She said Brown County Public Health’s “evidence-based Parenting Inside Out” program designed for incarcerated parents could help the lodging program.

Ruch 2 Recovery Staff Manager Bobbi Erickson-Murilla said the organization helps residents transitioning from housing support by answering questions, providing available resources and assistance with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and other benefit applications.

According to the human services housing provider new development application, Rich 2 Recovery has no tolerance for substance abuse including alcohol, on or off the lodging premises and has a relapse prevention program if a return to use happens.

“We’re like a second family to our clients,” she said.

“I think this will improve the chances of clients,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

“It’s nice to have options,” said Commissioner Berg.

Proposal approval came on a motion by Commissioner Berg, seconded by Dave Borchert.