ORCA HOUSE, founded in 1942 in the FAIRFAX neighborhood, is one of the earliest African American-founded treatment centers for alcoholism and substance use disorder in the United States. The center was established during a period when BLACK residents had limited access to mainstream healthcare services.
The organization began as the Outhwaite Recover Center for Alcoholics, named for its proximity to the OUTHWAITE HOMES. Its founders---local clergy, civic leaders, and residents of Fairfax---organized the institution to provide structured treatment and support services for individuals experiencing alcoholism.
During the mid- and late-20th century, ORCA House developed residential and outpatient programs and hired some of Cleveland's first certified alcoholism counselors. The center also offered educational programming and group support activities related to addiction and recovery.
ORCA House operated at 1905 East 89th Street from its founding in 1942 until 2020. That year the structure, located near CENTRAL and HOUGH, was demolished as part of CLEVELAND CLINIC's campus expansion and related redevelopment. The organization relocated to 3001 Prospect Avenue where it continues to operate with an expanded range of substance-use and mental-health services.
ORCA House has played a longstanding role in providing addiction-related services to Cleveland's African American communities and remains one of the city's historically significant recovery institutions.
Adam Schutz