HOUSTON – Since opening in April of this year, Houston's Sobering Center on North Chenevert Street in downtown has been busy.
There have been more than 2,000 visits so far and that number is predicted to only go up.
The program was established with the help of the city of Houston and Houston Police Department.
Director Leonard Kincaid said, "Most of the people we talk to are in town on business. They were here on some type of contractual relationship or conference, had a little too much fun and came to the attention of law enforcement."
Here is how it works: If an officer finds a person to be publicly intoxicated, but not behind the wheel they will be brought to the center. Counselors will help the clients and then the clients will leave.
Through the process, the director says it helps cut down on jail overcrowding and the people brought here avoid going to jail all together and avoid any criminal charges.
The sobering center has the ability to hold up to 68 males and 16 females at any given time.
The director hopes to expand over the coming years and expand services beyond just the Houston Police department.