Hogares Crea

Hogares Crea is an international institution, founded in Puerto Rico, that helps drug addicts break their habits.

In 1968, Jose Juan Garcia and Dora Peña Pizarro founded "Hogares Crea". The word "Crea" stands for the re-education of the addict and the community. Those who enter the program do not have to pay a fee, but, must agree to the programs strict rules. Breaking a drug habit is not easy and those who enter the program must adopt new habits which are conducive to recovery. They must go to church on Sundays and sell caramel custards and garbage bags door to door. They also must wash cars and do community services.

The program is not financed by the government. Doctors, psychologists and others donate their time. Expenses are covered by the volunteer board of each home. Each home has enough beds for 15 people. Twenty-eight thousand people have successfully completed the program, out of 51,000 addicts who have been treated in 36 years. It is estimated that 92% of those who have completed the program started by Garcia have completely stayed out of drugs.

Hogares Crea have over 152 facilities worldwide. Some of the other countries besides Puerto Rico where Hogares Crea are established are: the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Spain, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Panama and El Salvador.