Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.
- Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the sober home operator) to operate a sober home on the property.
- In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.
- The sober housing was scheduled to expire at the end of August.
- 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.
- Successful sober homes establish and reinforce healthy lifestyles, provide a safe and stable place to live, conduct meaningful activities, and build relationships and social networks for support.
C. Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership
The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) is involved in several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of sober living environments across the state. Notably, MASH administers the Fire Sprinkler System Program (FSSP), which provides grants of up to $80,000 per home for the installation of fire sprinkler systems in MASH-certified sober homes. This program is essential for helping homes comply with state and local fire safety codes, thereby ensuring a safe living environment for residents. Massachusetts offers many sober living homes and recovery residences for those in recovery from addiction.
I. Core Principle: Cultivate the Resident’s Sense of Belonging and Responsibility for Community
MASH was formed in 2007 when a group of sober home operators recognized the need for consistent standards and greater accountability within the sober housing community. Initially, MASH focused on creating a voluntary certification process that would ensure sober homes in Massachusetts provided safe, supportive, and structured environments for individuals in recovery. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing). These standards were developed using a collaborative approach with input from regional mash certified sober homes and national recovery housing organizations.
Sober Living In Massachusetts
Certified sober homes have comfortable spaces for living, sleeping, and engaging with peers, all of which make them valuable and safe spaces for recovery. Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. VSL works alongside MASH to support and equip Chartered Operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing.
- NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts.
- In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).
- MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes.
- A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor.
- In The RoomsIn The Rooms is an online community with members who share their strength and experience with one another daily.
Sober Living and Sober Houses in Massachusetts
Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement. Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission. This project is supported by Grant No. 2020-AR-BX-0038 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S.
