People in Progress also operates a detoxification center and provides services for alcoholics in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. In 1982, at the urging of the Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce, it opened a branch on Van Nuys Boulevard.

The Van Nuys police station has the only jail in the Valley equipped to handle drunks. That aggravates the problem, [Arthur Sjoquist] said.

The Van Nuys center offers at least a daytime alternative for alcoholics, most of whom are homeless, unemployed men, said Carol Nottley, executive director of People in Progress. The center has showers, a small kitchen, counseling and referral services and a six-bed detoxification area.