Policies and procedures that require the responsible person(s) to respond to neighbor’s concerns. Policies and procedures provide neighbors with the responsible person’s contact information upon request. 27.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors. Community gatherings, recreational events and/or other social activities occur periodically. Engagement in informal activities is encouraged. Community or residence meetings are held at least once a week.

Physical Environment Domain

Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. 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. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality.

• Residents are linked to mutual aid, recovery activities and recovery advocacy opportunities.
• Engagement in informal activities is encouraged.
• Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality.
• It can be very difficult to find funding for sober living home projects in any state, and Massachusetts is no different.

» Steps to Certification

• Certified sober homes have comfortable spaces for living, sleeping, and engaging with peers, all of which make them valuable and safe spaces for recovery.
• Rockland Recovery Homes is certified by New York State as a not-for-profit organization with 501(C)3 status.
• Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.
• Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.
• Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard.
• Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas.

19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations. Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use mash certified sober homes or seeking. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that each resident has food storage space.

MASH or Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living is A Great Resource When Starting Your Sober Living Home

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. Beware NIMBY resistance to sober living homes in Massachusetts. In Methuen, a husband-wife team was harassed by the city with several lengthy requests for code-related information and inspections. This is not usual in Massachusetts, where the broader community is skeptical about recovery housing. As we say often at MASH, “Home is not a place.

State Certification for Sober Living Homes in Massachusetts is Optional – But There’s a Catch

Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement. If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files. An increase in beds will require an additional inspection to the sober home. You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts.

Looking For Grants for Your Sober Living Home Startup in Massachusetts?

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. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. 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.

C. Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership

While the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) in Massachusetts is responsible for certifying all addiction treatment programs in the state, it does not certify sober living homes. Instead, Massachusetts contracts that work out to MASH. 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. All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected. A sense of hope and empowerment is critical to staying in recovery.

To support persons in recovery by improving their access to safe, stable residences with peer and community support. Our vision is adequate housing for all individuals in recovery from a substance https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use disorder. 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. In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.

For the warmer months, we also have an outdoor meeting area, large decks, and a yard to enjoy. All rooms are double occupancy. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.