Barracks 22 offers a safe, sober environment for adult men recovering from alcohol and Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow substance misuse. Residents participate in weekly in-house meetings, random urine screens, and 12-step or other group-format meetings according to the level of support each resident requires. 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.
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). NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like MASH implement. NARR’s mission is to improve access to quality recovery residences through these standards, education, and advocacy.
B. Core Principle: Uphold Residents’ Rights
Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from substance use but may also include other demographic criteria.
- Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
- Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
- © 2025 💜 Vanderburgh Sober Living ™ is a cooperative network of independently operated sober living homes organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation.
- We accept individuals who are on parole, probation, COAP, or who have completed their jail sentence.
Sober Men’s Community in Taunton, MA
- Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources.
- VSL works alongside MASH to support and equip Chartered Operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing.
- A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement.
- Our homes occupy the space between inpatient care and returning home.
- At Lake Avenue Recovery, they guide people down a comprehensive addiction recovery path that includes a Day Treatment Program, Intensive Outpatient Program and an Evening Treatment Program.
Their dedication and compassion combine to provide a unique approach that separates them from other drug and alcohol treatment centers. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.
Certification Application Steps
Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. 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 residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement.
Providing Safe Housing
Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator. A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf. Your support and contributions will directly impact our Recovery Community. Enabling us to provide additional program incentives to our community members. Your support is much needed and appreciated. Seasonal offerings like rowing, kayaking, and sailing, along with tradition holistic pursuits, like massage, Reiki, Tai-Chi, Qigong and meditation are all designed to bring joy back into a person’s life.
G. Core Principle: Facilitate Active Recovery and Recovery Community Engagement
Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator. The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (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.
- The Willing House is a MASH Certified Peer-Based Independent Living Community for Men and Women in Recovery.
- Sober homes provide mutual support, emphasize independent living skills, and depend on peer leadership.
- Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality.
- In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.
27.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information. At minimum, data collection will protect individual’s identity, be used for continuous quality improvement, be part of day-to-day operations, and regularly reviewed by staff and residents (where appropriate). Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.
Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery. 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. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement. © 2025 💜 Vanderburgh Sober Living ™ is a cooperative network of independently operated sober living homes organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators.
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. Initially, MASH focused on creating a voluntary certification process that would https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ ensure sober homes in Massachusetts provided safe, supportive, and structured environments for individuals in recovery. The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to work towards the same goals as MASH in supporting sober house operators.