VSL to support and equip operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. In Massachusetts, sober house certification is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). As the state’s affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH ensures that sober living homes meet strict standards for safety, support, and structure. 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.
MASH Sober Living Initiatives
- MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.
- An electronic signature is required at the end of the application to certify your agreement to all standards and policies.
- These standards were developed using a collaborative approach with input from regional and national recovery housing organizations.
- 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.
MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. With no access to the formal housing system it could be problematic. So far, Golden’s residents who graduated have found new homes through her informal recovery network. Another option she hasn’t had to use yet is SHARE! SHARE! Supports recovery meetings across the county and leases about 40 single-family homes that provide low-cost housing in shared bedrooms with peer counseling support.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided. Verification that each resident has food storage space. Verification that each resident has personal item storage. 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.
These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term recovery. 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. 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.
If you’re planning to operate a sober house in Massachusetts, following the certification process is an essential step. 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. Before MASH will certify your sober home, your property must pass a detailed on-site inspection. The inspection verifies that your home complies with MASH standards for safety, governance, peer support, and resident rights. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded.
Zero Tolerance – Harrison Women’s Sober House – Vanderburgh Sober Living
MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically-based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster safe living environments for those with substance use disorders.
24.b Ongoing performance support and training are provided for staff. Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.
Beacon of Light – York Chester Men’s Recovery House – Vanderburgh Sober Living
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. NARR has since released two updates to the standards, first in October 2015 and then in 2018.
Tranquility Men’s Sober House – Vanderburgh Sober Living
- Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes.
- They are not licensed and are not funded by the state.
- If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files.
- In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.
- In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
- This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards.
Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated.
Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend. Submit an application online and receive a call back within 24 hours. Read more about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences mash certified sober homes (NARR), including its history, standards, and impact on recovery housing nationwide.
Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership
Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing. Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified. A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor.
It requires a harm reduction option to be available to anyone offered recovery housing. Relapse cannot be a cause for eviction, and the provider must assist a tenant who wishes to leave the program in finding alternate housing following principles where abstinence is not required. A 2016 law adopting the “housing first” model as state policy prohibits state homelessness money from being spent on programs that are based in abstinence.
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.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. Learn about NARR Recovery Residence Levels of Support, specifically Level II, which applies to the type of sober homes MASH certifies. Make sure your sober home operates in line with Level II support, as defined by NARR. Level II homes provide a structured peer environment without onsite clinical services. Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives.
