Understanding certification and compliance is vital for operators, policymakers, and residents. This guide offers an overview of key aspects related to maintaining standards within these establishments. The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) allows states to provide stable, transitional housing for individuals in recovery from a substance-use disorder.

Rise Above owns and operates 5 sober living homes in Massachusetts.

• This scholarship was established to help address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery, such as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of communal inclusion in treatment settings.
• We expect our residents to be actively involved in an individual recovery plan.
• This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards.
• 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.
• Their scholarships bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, relieving some of the financial burden placed on individuals and their families.

Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement.

Certification & Training Programs

29.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 require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the recovery residence operator) to operate a recovery residence on the property. Personalized One-on-One MentorshipTurn your vision into reality with step-by-step coaching from seasoned recovery housing leaders.

Community Members

This is not usual in Massachusetts, where the broader community is skeptical about recovery housing. Beyond certification, sober houses must comply with local and state regulations. Violations of health and safety codes can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day. Repeated violations may lead to court orders mandating compliance or temporary closures until issues are resolved.

• The Access to Recovery (ATR) program is a federally funded initiative administered in Massachusetts by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).
• Your vision of opening your own sober house is within reach—let’s make it real.
• Instead, Massachusetts contracts that work out to MASH.
• In the event of a lawsuit or claim, uninsured operators may face substantial expenses, jeopardizing the operation of the sober house and resident well-being.

Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership

If a safe and sober living environment with fellowship and support is what you seek, we know you’ll find it here at The Willing House. The Access to Recovery (ATR) program is a federally funded initiative administered in Massachusetts by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). ATR provides individuals in recovery with financial assistance for sober living and other recovery-related services Twelve-step program to help them rebuild their lives and achieve independence.

MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes. NARR has since released two updates to the standards, first in October 2015 and then in 2018. The third version of the NARR standards provides more explicit guidance to providers, including metrics for evaluating the peer support components of a residence’s recovery environment. The Probation/Parole Grant Program in Massachusetts is designed to support individuals transitioning from incarceration to sober living environments. The Access to Recovery (ATR) program provides financial assistance to individuals in early recovery who need help covering the cost of sober living in MASH-certified sober houses. Administered by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), ATR funding helps individuals transition from treatment to stable housing, supporting their journey to long-term recovery and self-sufficiency.

There is a large parking area behind the building, as well as an expansive side yard available for activities and enjoyment. Sober-living guests in New Bedford can access many meetings and support services throughout the city. This successful Bristol County home has held MASH Certification for nearly a decade, dedicated to leading men in their recovery journey.

Women are provided 12 step work, volunteer work, yoga, writing, meditation, crafts, cooking, academic and career support. At Graceland Recovery, women are expected to embrace a high level of accountability with an emphasis on independant living. A sober living home is beneficial to an individual’s recovery. It is an alternative to going from an immersive care environment straight to a totally unstructured environment at home. Sober living homes replicate normal, everyday life situations while instilling healthy habits and helping the individual better their lives through employment or education. If you or a loved one is struggling to afford sober living, the ATR program could provide the financial assistance needed to continue your recovery journey.

How VSL Can Help You Navigate Sober Living Funding in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by helping to ensure access to high-quality sober living environments across Massachusetts. Established in 2007 by a group of sober home operators, MASH was founded to address the need for consistent standards and accountability within the sober housing community. Today, MASH oversees more than 180 certified sober homes.

That’s why our Intake Team is here to guide you through every step—from identifying the right funding options to completing the application process. If approved, ATR funding will https://ecosoberhouse.com/ be paid directly to the sober house to cover housing costs. Additional support services, such as employment assistance and recovery coaching, may also be provided. These trainings equip operators and staff with the knowledge to maintain compliance, support residents, and foster sustainable sober living communities. Non-compliance with sober house standards in Massachusetts can lead to significant repercussions. While MASH certification is voluntary, losing certification affects credibility and the ability to attract residents seeking structured environments.

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. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Thank you to Lowell House Addiction Treatment and Recovery for inviting us to visit the Saving Grace House in Lowell, MA. Thank you to Victoria Nesto and Tiffany Foster for giving us the tour and allowing me to share my experience with the the women.

In accordance with this requirement, MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains mash sober housing a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes. Navigating the financial assistance process for sober living can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.