The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing MASH

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. The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments across Massachusetts. Established in 2007 by a group of sober home operators, MASH was founded to address the need for consistent standards and accountability within the sober housing community. Today, MASH oversees Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In more than 180 certified sober homes. The organization’s core values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community, aligning closely with NARR’s principles to foster environments that promote long-term recovery and personal growth.

Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care. Policies and procedures that promote resident-driven length of stay. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality.

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

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. Our mission is to create and maintain a Christian environment conducive to sober living for men in recovery from addiction who are also transitioning from incarceration at the Worcester County House of Correction. 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services. Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to reflect recovery principles.

mash certified sober homes

Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives. 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​. Reconciliation House is a MASH certified, non-profit 501c3 sober home in Webster, MA. We accept individuals who are on parole, probation, COAP, or who have completed their jail sentence.

Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards. 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.

Sober House Directory helps you find sober houses, structured group homes, and sober living. Purple pins represent certified homes. Home color identifies men and women. We do not show halfway houses, treatment programs, or rehabilitation facilities. In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.

Serious Sober Living for Men in Taunton, MA

  • For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts.
  • Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources.
  • Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified.
  • The mission of the MASH is to support individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments.
  • Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober houses, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.

Schedule a consultation with VSL. Their facility has ample room for the array of activities that compose a holistic addiction treatment program including yoga, guided meditation, music and art therapy, therapy dog encounters, massage and reiki. The Willing House is a MASH Certified Peer-Based Independent Living Community for Men and Women in Recovery. Our homes occupy the space between inpatient care and returning home. The Willing House provides independent living, with accountability, continuing and continuity of recovery for those who want to learn a new way to live.

At The Willing House, we work to minimize negative influences and triggers, while new, supportive relationships are formed and nurtured through fellowship. We regularly inspect all member sober homes to ensure safety, quality, and the building of a community of recovery. 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.

  • Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents.
  • 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.
  • Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes.
  • 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).
  • Residents live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse.

From the Massachusetts Alliance of Sober Housing website:

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.

VSL works alongside MASH to support and equip Chartered Operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. We provide clean, affordable and safe housing in good neighborhoods. As you begin your journey of recovery, you will receive support and encouragement from a ready made peer-based and structured living scenario.

Certifying a sober house with MASH

There are many individuals with the disease of addiction, and there are too few safe and sober environments for them to recover in, resulting in fatal circumstances. The Willing House provides safe housing for all who need it, with all the comforts of home, and a feeling of close-knit peer support. If a safe and sober living environment with fellowship and support is what you seek, we know you’ll find it here at The Willing House. 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.

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. We wish to help people grow and return to society as productive members. We believe in working a recovery continuum that best suits each individual.

mash certified sober homes

E. Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment

Verification that Naloxone is accessible at each location, and appropriate individuals are knowledgeable and trained in its use. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ from residents.

We provide the new comer with built in peer-based support, where help and a sense of fellowship, which is much needed in early recovery, can be found. It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. Vanderburgh House Operators are the largest providers of MASH Certified sober houses in Massachusetts. Vanderburgh House works closely with MASH to develop standards and ensure that their sober houses offer the strongest community and recovery environment in service of their residents. For a list of all Vanderburgh Houses, please visit their website.