It is a place where men dealing with substance abuse maintain their sobriety in a warm and supportive atmosphere. It is also a place where maintenance - of a different kind - is an ongoing challenge.

Barbara Gillmeister, co-founder and executive director of Gilly's House on West Street, listed some of the most recent projects: two new furnaces, new flooring, and repairs to the ceiling in the dining room.

"We receive mostly in-kind donations, but we still have bills to pay," said Gillmeister.

Although Gilly's is "well supported" by the community, Gillmeister said what is needed most is financial support, including the funds received by communities as part of the opioid settlement fund.

Gilly's House, which is a nonprofit, was featured in a recent investigative report on WCVB-TV regarding these funds. According to the report, communities in Massachusetts have received almost $115 million over the past three years, but only about $19.7 million - about 17 percent - has been spent.

These funds are under the supervision of the State Subdivision Agreement, in which 60 percent goes to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to manage statewide efforts, and 40 percent goes to municipalities. From there, distribution depends on which town board has been charged - Select Board, Board of Health, Town Administrator, etc. Regional programs such as Gilly's House are eligible to apply, but Gillmeister said she's frustrated by the lack of a uniform approach among the communities.

"I have written letters to Select Board members, spoken before boards of health at their meetings, spoken before Select Board meetings in person, did a Zoom meeting that seven different town boards of health attended, filled out applications and surveys, made phone calls, visited many town halls and given tours of Gilly's to many, many town governments officials in surrounding towns," she said.

Gillmeister said the main obstacle in getting additional opioid settlement funds from other communities is the perception that because Gilly's House is in Wrentham, it's not in "their town," and their opioid settlement funds either go elsewhere or remain unused.

"Every town does something different, and finding out how they are deciding how to give out funds is a full-time job in and of itself," she said. "It shouldn't be this hard. We're not asking for the whole pot of money."

In Wrentham, funds are distributed via the Opioid Advisory Group, which is made up of public health officials, safety officials, educators and community members.

In 2025, Wrentham received a total of $26,350 in opioid abatement funds. Gilly's House received $4,350; the other programs that obtained funds included the Safe Coalition; Trinity Episcopal Church; Healthy KP Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; and King Philip Regional and Wrentham Public Schools.

The application may be found at https://www.wrentham.gov/546/Opioid-Settlement-Funds.

Gilly's House has also received $22,711 in opioid settlement funds from Norfolk, according to Town Administrator Rob Garrity. To date, the town has obtained $146,307.29; additional disbursements - totaling $78,000 - have been given to the Safe Coalition ($26,711), Norfolk Public Schools ($24,578), and King Philip Health ($4,000).

Garrity said the Select Board recommends a warrant article for Town Meeting to approve transfers from the Stabilization Account to a Select Board Expense account to fund application requests. "I expect to ask the Select Board to do another grant round this fall," he added. Those interested in applying for those funds may find an online application via https://www.norfolkmass.gov/news_detail_T3_R117.php.

Gilly's House also received $25,000 from the fiscal 2026 state budget toward facility improvements and its operating budget. "Gilly's House is an impactful place that offers comfort, support and growth for people in recovery. It was a privilege to secure state budget funds to support their meaningful work," said state Sen. Rebecca Rausch, who has visited Gilly's House.

About Gilly's House

Founded in 2018 at the site of the former Sheldonville Nursing Home, Gilly's House offers sober living for up to 20 men dealing with substance abuse.

The house - named after Steven "Gilly" Gillmeister, who died from a heroin overdose at the age of 25 - includes a full kitchen that's handicapped accessible; a dining room where volunteers provide dinner three times per week (the clients take care their own meals the remainder of the week); a laundry; a fitness room; and computer room. All the furniture, food, clothing and equipment are donated, said Barbara Gillmeister.

"What makes us unique is we have paid staff 24/7 in long-term recovery, and it's very structured," she said. This includes twice-weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the community room, along with assistance with career exploration, personal finance and self-help groups.

Since its opening, Gillmeister said about 300 clients - from 85 communities and five states - have stayed at Gilly's House. "We're here for everyone," she said.

James Hogan, the assistant director, joined Gilly's House about 2 ½ years ago. His main duties include site maintenance, making sure clients attend their meetings, and also making sure clients "feel welcome and loved."

"We want to emanate a positive energy," said Hogan. "We can certainly help them to a better life."

Clients pay a house fee, which goes toward staff payroll. Aside from the opioid settlement funds and other state money, financial support comes from private donations and sponsorships for special events.

Gilly's House runs several events throughout the year:

May: Shoulder to Shoulder Men's BBQ, Gilly's House. For men who have lost a loved one to substance abuse or suicide.

Aug.: Summerfest, noon to 4 p.m., Wrentham Developmental Center, 131 Emerald St. A free family event for the community with food and activities.

Monthly: Supper with Siblings, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Gilly's House. For siblings who have lost a brother or sister to addiction or have a sibling suffering from substance use disorder. Nov.: Mom's Luncheon, Milford. For mothers who have lost children to substance abuse.

In addition, Gilly's House offers activities for its clients, ranging from deep sea fishing to bowling.

For information on its programs, and how to donate, visit https://gillyshouse.org/.