Introducing Elonzo Stroud & VSL Recovery Residences in North Carolina!

Elonzo Stroud’s journey from personal struggle to becoming a leader in the recovery community is nothing short of inspiring. As the Vanderburgh Sober Living Chartered Operator for York Chester Recovery Home in Gastonia for Men, Concord Recovery Home in Kannapolis for Men, and South End Recovery Home in Charlotte for Women, Elonzo combines his personal experiences with a hands-on leadership style to make a lasting impact.

A Personal Connection to Recovery

Elonzo’s passion for operating sober living homes stems from his journey through recovery. “I used to live in recovery homes,” he explained. “I lived on the streets and stuff like that. So it’s kind of my way of giving back to the people that helped me.” This deeply personal connection influences every aspect of his work, shaping his commitment to helping others on their path to healing.

Empathy Through Experience

Before joining Vanderburgh Sober Living, Elonzo worked in recovery homes focused on structured programs and intensive support. Reflecting on his prior experience, he shared, “I worked in Tier 1 type homes where clients weren’t independent, and we did everything for them—from groups to therapies and IOPs.” Now, he channels that experience into operating independent sober living homes, bridging the gap between structured recovery and the independence guests need to rebuild their lives.

Elonzo credits much of his success to the mentors who guided him during his recovery journey. “I still talk to my mentor to this day,” he said. “Without him, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” This influence fuels his desire to be that same source of guidance for the guests in his homes.

A Hands-On Leadership Approach

Elonzo’s leadership style is deeply personal and active. “I’m extremely hands-on,” he emphasized. “I’m not just running a home for finances; I’m running a home to actually help people.” He takes the time to understand each guest’s unique challenges and goals, working closely with them to develop personalized plans tailored to their circumstances.

These plans extend beyond the individual to include family support whenever possible. “If they have family support, I’m speaking with the family as well,” he explained. Elonzo recognizes the far-reaching impact of addiction, noting, “Substance use affects the family just as much if not more than it affects the person using.”

Building Community and Connections

Elonzo’s influence extends beyond his recovery homes. He actively collaborates with local organizations, law enforcement, and detox centers to provide comprehensive support for those in recovery. From resume-building workshops to volunteering his time at detox facilities, Elonzo is committed to empowering individuals both within and outside his homes. “I try and be a resource to the community,” he said. “I want to prevent people from ending up on the streets by offering them the tools they need early on.”

A Vision for the Future

Elonzo’s ultimate goal is to continue expanding his reach and helping more people in recovery. “The goal isn’t about financial reasons; it’s about helping people,” he shared. Reflecting on his past, he added, “I slept on the streets, under bridges, in my car. Now, I have homes where I can help others. I give them back their minds and help rebuild families.”

He sees the work he does as part of a meaningful cycle: “I want my homes to be a revolving door. I want people to successfully move out of my homes because that tells me they’re doing something really good.” For Elonzo, success isn’t measured by how many people enter his recovery homes but by how many leave ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.

A Lasting Impact

Elonzo’s dedication to recovery goes beyond the walls of his home. His work challenges the stigma around addiction, builds stronger communities, and creates opportunities for healing and growth. For those in recovery, he offers this advice: “Look for somebody who’s been there—someone with a positive mindset and experience. Recovery never ends; it just gets easier over time.”

Through his unwavering commitment and hands-on leadership, Elonzo Stroud is not only changing lives but also inspiring others to join the fight against addiction.

About the Vanderburgh Sober Living Recovery Residences in North Carolina

Photo of Concord Recovery House in Kannapolis, NC.

🏡 Concord Recovery House | Sober Living for Men in Kannapolis, North Carolina

Concord Recovery House is a men’s sober living home located in Kannapolis, North Carolina. This home is NCARR-certified and follows the principles outlined by NARR to provide a structured environment for those in recovery. With a mission to empower guests on their journey from darkness to light, Concord Recovery House is dedicated to supporting individuals as they build a foundation for lasting sobriety.

🏡 York Chester Recovery House | Sober Living for Men in Gastonia, North Carolina

York Chester Recovery House is a men’s sober living home located in downtown Gastonia, North Carolina – just outside of Charlotte, NC. Our first sober house in the state, the Beacon of Light home is poised to shine bright and lead the way toward recovery. Our mission is to guide our residents from darkness to light. This structured NCARR-certified sober house for men is guided by the NARR principles and is dedicated to the success of sober living residents.

🏡 South End Recovery House | Sober Living for Women in Charlotte, North Carolina

South End Recovery House stands as a beacon of hope for women in need of a sober living environment, nestled in the heart of downtown Gastonia, North Carolina, right on the outskirts of vibrant Charlotte, NC. Our inaugural sober residence in the state, the residence is primed to radiate positivity and chart the course toward recovery. Our overarching goal is to lead our residents on a journey from the depths of despair to the brilliance of sobriety. This structured NCARR-certified sober house for women is guided by the NARR principles and is dedicated to the success of sober living residents.

Interested in joining these incredible recovery communities?

Apply to a Vanderburgh Sober Living home today!

Are you passionate about helping others in their recovery journey and interested in operating your own sober home? Become one of our Chartered Operators and unlock access to a support system that can help you grow your impact. Our Chartered Operators have three things in common: a passion for serving individuals in recovery, a desire to offer these individuals sober living, and the capacity to operate their own businesses and homes. If you or someone you know would like to join VSL as a Chartered Operator, reach out to us!