My name is Chanel Santana and I am the President of Oxford House Luna of Virginia Beach. I have a million reasons why Oxford Houses should remain open and independently run, but I will try to give just a few. For starters, Oxford has offered more success than rehab centers and other facilities because it is a long term solution for recovery and mental health. Men and women from all different walks of life have come together to help themselves and others along their journey. From their first step that is taken into an Oxford House, members gain trust, hope, and a foundation of limitless support and no judgement at all. Everyone has a different story, but shares the same goal, and no matter where their journey takes them, a lifetime of sobriety is on that path. Oxford has become a sanctuary of safety, open arms of embrace, and a home of comfort for us all. We went from the highway to hell, to a safe haven where people understand you, accept you, and support you no matter what. I've seen people gain a lot of firsts, learn amazing skills, and become better versions of themselves that they didn't believe would be possible. The structure that Oxford embodies is far better than the alternative. We work together to take care of our home on our own, and that is a blessing to see how people master all of the duties and responsibilities together. Oxford offers choices and freedom to truly be the person you want to become without the staff or facility aspect. Here are real people, living real lives in the real world and excelling in recovery all at once. I believe Oxford should remain open and not staffed so people can continue to have the power of their own mind and free will. That's the strongest and most effective way to continue to live a drug and alcohol free life. Facilities rush recovery, staff don't understand the disease, and the world can be a cruel place. Within Oxford, accountability is learned from the people around you. Support is something you gain from someone that understands what you're going through. Watching someone have what you want, humbles you and triggers your learning and grows from their influence. Responsibility becomes nature, and perseverance becomes a superpower. Oxford offers life! It saves your life when you enter, and you leave knowing how to live. No more fight or flight, or just surviving. You've gained tools, support and family for a lifetime! Oxford should stay open just the way it is, because without it, there would be more people mourning lost ones instead of the thousands of lives being celebrated every day.