“This legislation continues the Commonwealth’s dedication to addressing the opioid crisis by reducing stigma and providing the necessary support for those in recovery. I want to thank the Speaker for his commitment to those impacted by opioid addiction and Chairman Madaro for his dedication to getting this bill passed,” said Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). For individuals in early recovery, the stricter structure of a halfway house can be crucial. Curfews, clear rules, and drug testing provide a strong support system that can help prevent relapse. Living alongside peers facing similar challenges creates a powerful network of support and shared experience, which can be a major motivator in staying on the path to recovery. Dorchester, a vibrant neighborhood in Boston, is known for its diverse population and rich cultural heritage.
Certifying a sober house with MASH
In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery. Recovery residences — formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment. Sober homes provide mutual support, emphasize independent living skills, and depend on peer leadership. They are not licensed and are not funded by the state.
Directory Information
- This alignment with NARR standards helped MASH strengthen its certification process and expand its influence across the state.
- Vanderburgh House sees a world where every person in recovery has access to a supportive, healthy, and safe home environment built on respect, focused on recovery, and lead by peers.
- Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times.
- In collaboration with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH has developed certification standards that sober homes must meet to ensure they provide safe, supportive, and structured environments for residents in Massachusetts.
- Many of the halfway house that is listed in our directory are located close to addiction centers in Massachusetts and can help the person to get integrated in the society again without fear of a relapse.
Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing. mash certified sober homes Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. VSL works alongside MASH to support and equip Chartered Operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. As the largest network of NARR-Affiliate certified homes in the United States, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in sober housing, ensuring that every VSL home meets the rigorous certification requirements set forth by MASH and NARR. Are you a state agency, licensed provider, individual, or family looking for a MASH-certified sober home? Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes.
A History of the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing
Our homes are smoke free but there are plenty of designated outdoor smoking areas. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times. Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro.
The sober house certification standards set by MASH can be found here. In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes. 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.
- The primary goal of a halfway house in Boston is to provide a secure and supportive living environment for individuals transitioning from inpatient treatment to independent living.
- Sober homes are available in Massachusetts for you or a loved one to bridge the gap between clinical treatment and independent living.
- Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
- Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff.
- Sober House Directory helps you find sober houses, structured group homes, and sober living.
Governor Healey Signs Bill Making Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Support More Affordable and Accessible
Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator. 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 heroin addiction safe living environment for residents.
The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators. It also establishes recovery coach licensing in the Commonwealth and places oversight under the DPH, to ensure compliance with best practices. Under this bill, insurance companies would be required to cover services provided by licensed recovery coaches. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc. 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 mediation.
The organization has a Code of Ethics and Standards of Operation. Though The Willing House does Not provide treatment of any kind, our preferred provider at Lake Avenue Recovery has best in class addiction treatment for those seeking a higher level of care. 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. A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf. Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission.
About MassHousing
Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (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 a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes.MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. Successful sober homes establish and reinforce healthy lifestyles, provide a safe and stable place to live, conduct meaningful activities, and build relationships and social networks for support. 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. 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.
Create Your Own Bill
Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober houses, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. Sober homes support various abstinence-based pathways to recovery, and each residence focuses on one or more particular pathway. All MASH sober homes meet national standards based on the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) model.