New chapter begins: Recovery residence with 46-year legacy reopens in San Bernardino

Executive leaders from the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and Veterans Alcohol Rehabilitative Program participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to announce the grand reopening of the Harris House in San Bernardino. Harris House is a recovery residence operated by Veterans Alcohol Rehabilitative Program (VARP).

Established in 1979 by Mr. Mel Harris, Harris House was born from a deeply personal tragedy. After losing his son, a veteran who sustained injuries during military service, Harris was moved by the limitations of existing treatment programs, particularly the brevity of 30-day stays. He recognized that true recovery requires more time, care and a supportive environment.

Determined to make a lasting difference, Harris purchased a home and launched Harris House as a recovery residence offering 60 to 90-day stays, providing residents with the time and hope needed for meaningful transformation. His vision laid the foundation for what would become a trusted refuge for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.

Today, that legacy has been revitalized. With $1.3 million in funding from the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) grant program, DBH partnered with the VARP to renovate Harris House in San Bernardino, transforming it into a safe, welcoming and functional recovery residence.

The project included extensive renovations of two existing properties, which now offer 18 beds for individuals in need of behavioral health support. Due to structural and system issues, both homes underwent full demolition and reconstruction. The updates included modern electrical and plumbing systems, new flooring, interior finishes and critical infrastructure improvements.

On Wednesday, June 25, VARP and DBH celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Harris House. The event marked not only the reopening of a recovery home, but also the continuation of a mission that began over four decades ago, to provide extended care, hope and dignity to those on their recovery journey.

“DBH is honored to continue Mr. Harris’s legacy through this collaboration, and we look forward to the positive impact Harris House will have on our community,” said Behavioral Health Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka.

For additional information and pictures from the event, view the VARP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony photo album.

Additional County Update News – July 3, 2025