The program is an innovative and unique residential program serving chronic substance abuse in women 18yrs and older. Our family way of life will provide a safe and clean environment that is ideal for continuing long-term recovery. We promote a family-based experience to share life’s highs and lows together and be supportive of each other.
- In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
- This transition can provide continued support while residents learn to apply their newly learned self-reliant skills to real-life situations while they remain drug- or alcohol-free in a community environment.
- The Massachusetts NARR State affiliate plays an indispensable role in supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments across the state.
- Many Vanderburgh Sober Living homes are independently owned and operated by Chartered Operators-members of the Vanderburgh Sober Living 501(c)3 Foundation’s collaborative membership organization.
» Certification
Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care.
Property Description
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 and national recovery housing organizations. MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes. Sober living homes, sometimes referred to as transitional living arrangements, halfway houses, or recovery residences, can be a step down from formal substance use treatment programs. These homes can offer an in-between option for individuals after they complete a treatment program and before they return to their homes and lives.
Herren Project: Recovery Housing & Coaching Scholarships
Established in memory of Jillian Latham, the fund provides financial assistance for sober living placements across New England, offering critical support to those transitioning from treatment to stable housing. Curran’s Calling is a nonprofit scholarship foundation dedicated to helping individuals seeking recovery access structured sober living by providing financial assistance. Their scholarships bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, relieving some of the financial burden placed on individuals and their families. In addition to financial support, Curran’s Calling offers life-skills mentoring and recovery coaching to help recipients rebuild their lives with confidence and stability. Establishing a strong sober home community culture is critical to success in recovery. MASH-certified sober homes must also offer a peer-based environment and be drug- and alcohol-free.

By fulfilling these roles, MASH helps create the conditions where recovery housing can make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans in recovery, empowering individuals to grow, heal, and build stable futures. Our all-in-one app handles rent collection, admissions, property management, residents’ care coordination, community contacts, transportation details, calendars, staff, alumni and more – all from the convenience of your phone. MASH maintains a master list of all sober homes that it has certified in Massachusetts.
Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator. Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement. Sober homes applying for annual recertification must remit payment of certification fees during the recertification process and prior to scheduling the home inspection.
Physical Environment Domain
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 mash sober living recovery. All clients are held to a high standard, and our facilities have a zero-tolerance policy for both drugs and alcohol. This means you will not be faced with temptation from fellow clients, and you will have the right accountability and support to encourage your success in recovery. By choosing our sober living homes in Milton, residents are taking a significant step towards long-term sobriety and a healthier, more stable lifestyle.
We’ll help you open a MASH certified sober house from start to finish.
Workers’ compensation insurance is necessary if staff are employed, providing coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses. Even well-meaning operators can drift into territory that requires a license. Here are common pitfalls and how to guard against them. In both tracks, it’s wise to lean on experienced mentors, legal counsel, and operators who have gone before you. Use this table to see which model aligns with your mission, resources, and risk tolerance.
Looking For Grants for Your Sober Living Home Startup in Massachusetts?
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 Substance abuse mediation. The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and was established in 1999. This funder is a health conversion foundation that was founded when Healthsource Inc. of New Hampshire purchased Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Central Massachusetts residents.
Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. The Massachusetts NARR State affiliate plays a pivotal role in the recovery housing landscape, ensuring that individuals seeking sobriety have access to safe, supportive environments. Recovery housing is crucial for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment to independent living. In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) is the designated affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), which sets national standards for recovery residences. As of 2023, MASH oversees over 180 certified sober homes in the state, providing essential oversight and support to ensure these homes meet rigorous safety and ethical standards MASH – Standards. Recovery residences — formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober Twelve-step program homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment.
Certification with MASH not only validates the quality of a sober home but also makes homes eligible for state-funded referrals and builds trust with residents and families. If you’re planning to operate a sober house in Massachusetts, following the certification process is an essential step. The Fletcher Group is a 501c3 not-for-profit founded to help those in society move from the disease of addiction and the devastation of homelessness to lives of hope, dignity, and fulfillment.
MASH partners with MassHousing’s CCRI initiative and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) to certify homes and provide https://ecosoberhouse.com/ technical assistance, ensuring grantees meet high standards. VSL Chartered Operators gain access to a full library of proven templates, policies, forms, and supporting documents — resources that have helped our members successfully and easily obtain MASH certification. VSL Chartered Operators receive hands-on support, document templates, and pre-inspection checklists to make certification smooth and stress-free. This training can be done during your certification process while you prepare documents and get ready for your inspection.
