In 2014, state legislation strengthened the role of MASH by requiring voluntary certification and oversight of sober homes. By 2016, state agencies were mandated to refer individuals only to MASH-certified homes, further solidifying MASH’s role as the gold standard in recovery housing. The Union and Harrison Sober Houses feature amenities designed to foster comfortable and recovery-focused living experiences. Residents benefit from shared living spaces, on-site laundry facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and spacious yards for outdoor activities.
RAP Application Process
In Massachusetts, state agencies and vendors are only allowed to refer clients to MASH Certified sober houses. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. Residents of sober homes are expected to abstain from alcohol and drug use, other than prescribed medications, and to refrain from prescription misuse. Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements.
Vanderburgh Sober Living locations in Lowell, Massachusetts
These homes provide a bridge to independent living with continued recovery support and stability. 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. Independent Chartered Operators meet the same high standards and practices as VSL’s staff-managed homes. Learn more about becoming an independent operator with Vanderburgh Sober Living.
Step 1: Learn About Sober Living in Massachusetts
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. NARR began to affiliate with state-level organizations to promote evidence-based standards for sober houses and other residential recovery programs and centers. MASH is affiliated with NARR and helps mash certified sober homes promote these standards at sober houses across Massachusetts.
Each recovering individual has one foot in their recovery continuum building a support group for themselves once they leave us, and the other foot in everyday life. Community members are all people in recovery who are actively working a program of recovery. Our main focus is to provide a safe and sober environment for recovering addicts and alcoholics.
Sober Living in Massachusetts: Find a Certified Sober House Near You
Operators must demonstrate they provide a substance-free setting with regular drug testing, peer support meetings, and access to recovery resources. This certification enhances credibility and provides residents with a safe, supportive environment. The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing was founded in 2007 to create structure and accountability within the state’s sober living community. Originally a grassroots effort by local sober home operators, MASH grew in response to the need for consistent housing standards that prioritize resident safety and recovery outcomes.
Public hearings and meetings provide platforms for dialogue, balancing the needs of residents and the broader community. Catholic Charities’ services can be particularly beneficial for individuals transitioning from treatment to sober living, as they work to restore financial stability and secure long-term housing. MASH drug addiction treatment maintains a master list of all sober homes that it has certified in Massachusetts. This tool is an invaluable resource to those considering operating in the state because you can use it to better understand the market and identify holes in the state’s offerings. The next step in the certification process is completing and submitting the MASH Certification Application.
- Select homes are equipped to accommodate parents, couples, or individuals with specific needs, such as trauma recovery, dual-diagnosis, or employment support.
- As the only organization in New England offering charters for sober living homes, VSL upholds rigorous quality standards across its network, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for recovery resources.
- 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.
- Residents are required to participate in regular house meetings, conduct random drug screenings, and adhere to curfews—all aligned with Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) and NARR best practices.
- Certifying your sober house through MASH is a critical step toward offering a safe, structured, and recovery-focused home for individuals rebuilding their lives.
- Power Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals in early recovery by providing financial assistance for sober living in Massachusetts.
These homes provide supportive environments for individuals committed to maintaining sobriety, integrating into Taunton’s robust recovery community. Residents have access to local support groups, employment opportunities, and public transportation, facilitating their recovery journeys. The Residential Assistance Program (RAP) provides temporary financial assistance to individuals in early recovery who need help covering the cost of sober living in MASH-certified sober houses. 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.
