The Minneapolis Alano may have to close - donations less than 1/3 pre-covid levels

[progree]

The famed "2218", 2218 1st Ave. S. Around these parts, if you want to burnish your AA credentials, you mention your time spent at "2218". And of course you attended the "By the Book 4th Step Workshop" (I forget how many weeks that is).

Contrary to what the article says, it's not a "treatment center". It's just a place that holds AA and Al Anon (and maybe some other 12-step) meetings and hosts events.

This may be a "local story" but I'm sure the same thing is happening everywhere -- fewer face-to-face meetings, fewer donations. I hate to see the physical infrastructure crumble and go away.

Historic substance recovery center in Minneapolis faces closure as funding fades, CBS Local, 6/21/22
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/historic-substance-recovery-center-in-minneapolis-faces-closure-as-funding-fades/

It's one of the oldest treatment centers in the world - and the Minneapolis AA house could have to close - unless something changes fast.

The timing couldn't be worse. Substance abuse and overdoses skyrocketed during the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It's a piece of recovery history, and these days it's a piece of work, as part of the 1887 building is crumbling. This Minneapolis Alano AA Club is a place for people to go to meetings and keep themselves busy and sober in the evenings.

the building is crumbling and the funding is fading.

"COVID reduced our pledging numbers to less than a third of what they were and COVID reduced our income to less than a third.

And prior to COVID, we were barely scraping by," treasurer Cheryl Larson said.

So they are hoping to raise $250,000 for emergency repairs so they can keep repairing lives.

"The Alano Society of Minneapolis was incorporated in March of 1942 which makes it is the oldest continuously operating Alano Club at a single location in the world."
http://www.2218alano.org/history.html

So at least we have one world-class distinction, pretty surprising for "north of flyover country".

Only 7 years (6 3/4) after Dr. Bob had his last drink.

There are other alano clubs in Minneapolis, and plenty more in the metro area, but this one is the "mother ship".

[progree]

1. I thought this might spur a discussion on declining face-to-face meetings, declining

contributions and other 12-step facility closures. I just don't think Zoom meetings are the same.

[Stuart G]

2. They are not the same...never the same. Thank You..I will send a donation. tomorrow, it is late at

night here in a suburb near Chicago.

[progree]

3. Thank you! 😂🌺🌺🌺