It is searchable by name, region, town, zip code and type of service offered. This tool is an invaluable resource to those considering operating in the state because you can use it to better understand the market and identify holes in the state’s offerings. Yet for many, the cost of sober housing can be a barrier to recovery. Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to reflect recovery principles. Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take grievances that are not resolved by the house leadership to the operation’s oversight organization for mediation.
Freedom House Sober Living
Sober homes must comply with all local and state building and fire codes. MASH standards require functioning alarms, emergency drills, proper bathroom ratios, and Sober living house adequate living space. Homes must also maintain liability insurance suited to their level of support.
NIMBYism is a Big Threat to Sober Living in Massachusetts

Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law.
- Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.
- Once that’s done, a third-party inspector (usually from Recovery Homes Collaborative) will visit your home.
- Policies and procedures provide neighbors with the responsible person’s contact information upon request.
- Power Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals in early recovery by providing financial assistance for sober living in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 127A, empowers the Department of Public Health to establish health and safety standards for residential facilities.
Need Help? VSL Can Support You
The Willing House provides independent living, with accountability, continuing and continuity of recovery for those who want to learn a new way to live. Our Zero Tolerance New Bedford Sober House is a home for men located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Operated by Vanderburgh Sober Living this structured men’s recovery residence is conveniently located in the town of New Bedford, MA with all of the local amenities that this growing city has to offer.

MASH Certification ensures that sober living homes operate safely, ethically, and in alignment with state and national recovery housing standards. Most of our community has been through an inpatient rehab program or halfway house and have learned about the disease of addiction and the tools needed in order to stay sober. All community members are subject to random drug screens and daily breathalyzing. We provide the new comer with built in peer-based support, where help and a sense of fellowship, which is much needed in early recovery, can be found. Certifying your sober house through MASH is a critical step toward offering a safe, structured, and recovery-focused home for individuals rebuilding their lives. By following this process carefully and staying proactive, you’ll lay the foundation for a sober home that truly supports lasting recovery.
Oxford House in Plymouth, Massachusetts
That’s why our Intake Team is here to guide you through every step—from identifying the right funding options to completing the application mash sober housing process. Boston Sober Homes is a M.A.S.H certified sober housing company for those who are serious about their recovery and sobriety. Our mission is to provide clean, comfortable accommodations in a positive environment for those looking to live a sober lifestyle. Our homes and their atmospheres are nurtured by the guests they provide for.
- MASH-certified sober homes are governed by standards that address safety from an administrative, operational, property, and “good neighbor” perspective.
- It is up to the individual to utilize the tools they’ve learned in recovery in order to stay clean and sober.
- These include functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, posted emergency procedures, and regular safety drills.
- This training can be done during your certification process while you prepare documents and get ready for your inspection.
- There are several Oxford House model sober living homes throughout Plymouth.
This link includes an updated list of certified sober homes, the certification standards, a certification application for with instructions and how to file a grievance. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. It can be very difficult to find funding for sober living home projects in any state, and Massachusetts is no different.
Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community. 27.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.

These include functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, posted emergency procedures, and regular safety drills. Homes must maintain naloxone on-site and enforce clear resident rules covering curfews, meetings, and drug or alcohol screening. We wish to help people grow and return to society as productive members. We believe in working a recovery continuum that best suits each individual.
Many recovery homes never need a BSAS license because they stay within the peer-driven, nonclinical support domain. An operator of a Certified Sober Living Home that voluntarily reports its certified status to DMHAS shall provide the number of beds available in the Sober Living Home at the time of its report and weekly thereafter. While it is our goal to one day expand the scope of this incredible project, we are currently able to offer sober living scholarships in MASSACHUSETTS ONLY. An electronic signature is required at the end of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the application to certify your agreement to all standards and policies.
- Neighborhood associations and local governments engage with operators to address concerns such as safety or community impact.
- Sober house certification in Massachusetts is administered by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).
- This home is MASH Certified and offers free amenities such as internet and laundry services.
- Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.
Apply for Certification
Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible. This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant. BehaveHealth.com stays current with industry changes by attending conferences like the annual NARR conference where experts discuss best practices in recovery housing. MASH won’t schedule an inspection until all your paperwork has been reviewed and approved. Once that’s done, a third-party inspector (usually from Recovery Homes Collaborative) will visit your home.
