Paul’s Project Grace Campus houses more than 80 people at a time, people that have experienced time in prison, homelessness, and drug addictions. As of recently they are making a few changes to tighten up the rules a bit.
In the past, clients were allowed to stay on the campus for as long as they needed but now Executive Director Chris Moore said they can only stay six months.
“When we first took the campus we were bleeding hearts saying we were going to help everybody, and with that we let some things slide that we shouldn’t have, and we don’t anymore,” Moore said.
Moore said some residents struggle with drug and alcohol abuse during their stay on the campus, and it can be hard for the few staff members they have to monitor their activity at all times.
“If we find out someone is having an addiction issue we try to get treatment. It’s hard though because when we get someone who is ready, there are no beds at recovery clinics in Lubbock, we have to go to Plainview but you’re looking at a month wait,” Moore said.
Clients now have a curfew of 10 PM, and no visitors are allowed after hours.
Resident Alfonso Caudillo came from a rough past and said he’s thankful for the Grace Campus. He’s lived there for about two months and said it’s important for residents to follow the rules, and realize it’s a chance to be better.
“Follow directions and try. We’re not in prison. This is a boot camp for people who want to straighten up not for people who want to be messing up and doing drugs because they don’t care and they get free rent,” Caudillo.