Halfway houses—centers for empowerment and social reintegration of individuals recovering from addiction—are among the most effective social programs in the country. They play a vital role in rehabilitating homeless women who have overcome addiction. Unfortunately, in recent years, these centers have faced serious operational challenges. Financial constraints within the Welfare Organization and efforts to offset budget deficits have led to the neglect of certain commitments to non-governmental organizations.

For example, in 2022 (1401), the Simaye Sabz Rahayi Halfway House—the only center for women and girls in Tehran operating under the Welfare Organization’s supervision—hosted 20 women in recovery. However, the Welfare Organization refused to cover the costs for half of them, citing the lack of national ID numbers. This is despite the fact that halfway houses are specifically established for homeless women, many of whom naturally lack identification documents. Furthermore, demands such as refusing admission on holidays until government offices reopen to issue referral letters—leaving women stranded on the streets during unpredictable closures due to air pollution—are not only unreasonable but reflect a lack of understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable women.

As social activists, we are willing to cooperate and empathize with the Welfare Organization’s financial difficulties. However, accepting irrational pressures and enforcing flawed regulations is beneath the dignity of any institution. These issues threaten the survival of halfway houses and risk returning homeless women to the streets.

We call on national authorities—especially the honorable head of the Welfare Organization and the Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare—to exercise greater care in appointing provincial Welfare Organization directors. These individuals must be familiar with the complexities of social harm. Additionally, laws and guidelines related to halfway houses must be revised with a realistic understanding of the conditions faced by these women and the institutions that serve them.

The closure of a halfway house is not merely the end of a social mission—it is a failure for society as a whole. We will continue our work, even without formal support or oversight, because we believe that every woman in recovery deserves a new and dignified life.