How a Broom Sparked
a Mission
A Vallejo story of courage and care
Acts 26:18
"To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."
Our Story
In the late 1980s, Vallejo, like many other communities across California, was in the grip of a drug epidemic that brought rising crime, fractured families, and growing despair. For Hattie Miles, a 5'5" woman in her early-50s, the crisis became personal when drug dealers began selling in front of her business — the Miles Care Home, located on Grant Street in South Vallejo, also known as the "Turf" in the 80s.
One fateful day, Hattie found herself staring down a group of drug dealers who had set up shop outside her residential business. Armed with nothing but a broom and her unwavering determination, she boldly approached them — demanding they leave and stay gone. Her courage in that moment — standing alone against a visible symbol of the crisis plaguing her community — marked a turning point. It transformed her anger into action and laid the foundation for what would become House of Acts.
Founded in 1987, House of Acts was Hattie’s response to a crisis that needed compassion, structure, and faith. She envisioned a safe haven where individuals battling addiction could find recovery, hope, and a second chance. What began as a small community-based effort has grown into a comprehensive program addressing substance use disorders, mental/behavioral issues, and homelessness.
The Drug Epidemic Crisis
In the 1980s, the United States faced a surge in drug-related challenges, notably the crack cocaine epidemic. This crisis led to a significant increase in drug-related arrests and incarcerations, particularly affecting communities of color.
California, with its extensive urban centers, was deeply impacted by this epidemic. The state experienced a rise in drug-related offenses, contributing to overcrowded prisons and strained judicial systems.
Vallejo and the broader Solano County were not immune to these challenges. The community witnessed the adverse effects of increased drug use, including heightened crime rates and a growing need for effective intervention and rehabilitation services.
Recognizing the escalating crisis and the lack of adequate rehabilitation programs, Hattie Miles founded House of Acts in 1987. Her vision was to provide a faith-based, supportive environment where individuals struggling with substance use disorders could find hope, healing, and a path to recovery. Hattie, also understood that unaddressed mental and substance use disorders become more complex over time. Early intervention is among the most effective ways to improve overall health. By addressing these disorders within the context of both the community and family, Hattie designed a support system for whole-person and whole-family recovery — recognizing that healing is a collective journey.
A Mission Born from Courage
House of Acts operates as a dual-diagnosis program, offering evidence-based treatment and transitional housing for men, women, and transitional youth. Services include outpatient, residential, and inpatient care tailored to individual needs, with a focus on addressing the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.
Using therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Community Reinforcement Approach, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), House of Acts provides individuals with the tools to rebuild their lives. These services, paired with parenting education and workforce readiness programs, help clients not only recover but thrive within their families and communities.
From Anger to Action
Hattie Miles’ bravery on that pivotal day symbolizes the spirit of House of Acts — a commitment to stand up to adversity and fight for a healthier, stronger Vallejo. Her legacy continues to inspire every step of our mission, as we transform lives, uplift families, and rebuild communities one person at a time.