"From one man offering to help another. . ."   -   1979 - 1990

Founded in 1979, Charlie's 3/4 House, Inc. began with one man offering a newly recovering alcoholic a safe place to stay for a short time while looking for employment and work to maintain his sobriety.  Shortly thereafter, a second, then a third man, both newly recovering alcoholics in need were introduced to Charlie and asked for his help.  There was no grand scheme, no business plan and no funding; simply there a few men in need and one man who understood their need who reached out to help.

Over the next 10 years, Charlie slowly converted his row house at 2121 Vine Street into a safe haven that could house up to 15 newly recovering alcoholics.  These transitional living accommodations were provided for these men in exchange for minimal rent and that they meet the condition of maintaining continuous sobriety.  Many did so and stayed at Charlie’s until gainfully employed and at a point they could afford to live independently.  It was during this time they began to learn how to their lives as sober, productive men.

By the end of 1990, the location at 2121 Vine Street, Cincinnati, was at full occupancy for its third consecutive year.  The neighborhood was in the midst of changing and it was learned that the buildings contiguous to the Vine Street location would most likely become available over the next 24 months.  Now with 11 years of experience learning the scope of need for newly recovering alcoholic men in our community, it was time to plan a future for Charlie’s.

Volunteers, from varying walks of life have helped at Charlie’s since its founding,  helping many  residents find employment, as well as oversee many details that kept Charlie’s in operation.  Many volunteers were successful businessmen and professionals in the community, who also happened to be recovering alcoholics. After much discussion among this group, they felt the work begun by Charlie’s was of such significance to them, as well as the residents and the community at large, that their decision was to work  to the best of their abilities to help Charlie’s grow.  As a result of this decision, a business plan was formulated and adopted.

“When someone reaches out to us for help, we are responsible…”    -   1991 to Present

Charlie’s 3/4 House, Inc. was incorporated in 1991 and in the same year applied for and was awarded non profit status as a 501(c) (a) corporation.  The years from 1991 through 2001 were about helping others and growth.  The three row houses next to the Vine Street location did become available and were purchased and renovated to meet the needs of the organization. These changes enabled Charlie’s to grow from a maximum occupancy of fifteen (15) men to the current maximum occupancy of fifty (50) men.

A key element for maintaining sobriety for many of those in recovery is regular attendance at recovery meetings. Given such, the next major project for the organization was to add a meeting room at the facility to house meetings for both residents, and as importantly for the recovering community in Over the Rhine and the vicinity.  Success breeds success, and having our residents be in touch with others who have successfully maintained continuous sobriety is of tremendous importance for those in early sobriety.

Given such, in 2002 a fund raising campaign was begun to raise the money for an onsite addition of an AA meeting room at Charlie’s.  Completed in 2005, today the meeting room houses three (3) AA meetings daily, attended by approximately 90 men and women per day  The attendees include many recovering men and women from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky recovering communities as well as many of Charlie’s  residents. 

In addition, the room hosts various events throughout the year for specifically for our residents and their friends and family members.  These activities are often funded by contributions from those in Charlie’s Alumni Group.

Many of those who have successfully transitioned from Charlie’s and continue to live sober, independent lives volunteer their time helping others through Charlie's Alumni Association.  In addition to the Alumni Association, many also are active in their local AA communities.  They serve as sponsors for newly sober men, work at the AA Intergroup office, volunteer for the AA “Hotline” Phone Call in Center, and/or serve as meeting chairpersons.

Today, as in 1979, Charlie’s ¾ House, Inc. remains focused on it sole purpose of reaching our to the newly sober alcoholic in need, and through the help and hard work of many volunteers is w0rking diligently to position the organization to be able to do so for many years to come.