These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term recovery. Sober house certification in Massachusetts is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like MASH implement. NARR’s mission is to improve access to quality recovery residences through these standards, education, and advocacy.
» Steps to Certification
Sober house certification is an important factor to consider as you look for sober living. Massachusetts sober houses are certified by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing, or MASH. We regularly inspect all member sober homes to ensure safety, quality, and the building of a community of recovery. Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives.
From the Massachusetts Alliance of Sober Housing website:
Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality. Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits. Written mash certified sober homes 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. Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.
Sober Living In Massachusetts
- Visit their application page to apply online.
- Search the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living (MASH) directory of all certified sober homes, which follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been inspected.
- Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend.
- 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.
- Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided.
For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts. Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.
» Certification
- Interested in becoming a sober house resident?
- Since then, Vanderburgh House has contributed to the recovery community in many neighborhoods, strengthening and supporting the recovery community through promoting truly remarkable sober living.
- It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery.
- Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits.
- Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards.
For recovery resources in Massachusetts, please visit the Massachusetts Sober House Recovery Resources page for more information. Vanderburgh House began operating sober living homes in 2016. Since then, Vanderburgh House has contributed to the recovery community in many neighborhoods, strengthening and supporting the recovery community through promoting truly remarkable sober living. Search the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living (MASH) directory of all certified sober homes, which follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been inspected. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded. NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts.
We’re expanding across the United States as our resources permit! If you would like to add a listing to our sober house directory, please let us know. Please contact us to update any listing information. We cannot guarantee accuracy of listing information. Massachusetts recognizes the need for quality sober housing and recovery resources.
Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery. Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information. At minimum, data collection will protect individual’s identity, be used for continuous quality improvement, be part of day-to-day operations, and regularly reviewed by staff and residents (where appropriate).
- Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator.
- Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building.
- A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf.
- It advances research, data and design in the City’s program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions.
- Massachusetts offers many sober living homes and recovery residences for those in recovery from addiction.
- MASH is a NARR state affiliate for recovery residences.
Sober House Directory provides information on sober house certification for each state in the database, including for sober living in Massachusetts. Please visit the Massachusetts Sober House Certification page for more information about sober house certification in this state. As we say often at MASH, “Home is not a place. It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery.
Sober House Directory is a helpful starting place to find a recovery home and includes listings for sober houses, recovery residences, structured group homes, and other sober living for men and women in recovery. Research the home before you make a decision. In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.