Sarah Walcher

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. Individuals interested in applying for RAP funding should follow these steps to ensure they meet the necessary requirements and complete the application correctly. No, ATR requires a referral from an approved provider, such as a treatment program or social service agency. Applying for ATR funding involves several steps to ensure eligibility and secure financial support.

Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing

The Sunrise Fund is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals in their journey toward sustained addiction recovery. Established in memory of Jillian Latham, the fund provides financial assistance for sober living placements across New England, offering critical support to those transitioning from treatment to stable housing. Curran’s Calling is a nonprofit scholarship foundation dedicated to helping individuals seeking recovery access structured sober living by providing financial assistance. Their scholarships bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, relieving some of the financial burden placed on individuals and their families. In addition to financial support, Curran’s Calling offers life-skills mentoring and recovery coaching to help recipients rebuild their lives with confidence and stability. Herren Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.

Need Help Accessing ATR Funding for Sober Living?

Compliance is monitored through regular inspections and audits by MASH. These evaluations ensure continued adherence to certification criteria. Identified deficiencies must be addressed to maintain certification, reinforcing a commitment to quality care and support. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts. While it is our goal to one day expand the scope of this incredible project, we are currently able to offer sober living scholarships in MASSACHUSETTS ONLY. They promote a social model of graduated care, designed to return women complete, sober functioning individuals.

RAP Application Process

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. 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.

• 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.
• In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
• The Willing House is the last step before one bridges themselves back to “the real world”, helping people with the disease of addiction move on once they are completely comfortable to leave this environment.
• In Massachusetts, sober house certification is governed by a framework to ensure facilities meet care and safety standards.
• Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care.
• The RAP program has been reopened and accepting new applicants.

The Willing House provides independent living, with accountability, continuing and continuity of recovery for those who want to learn a new way to live. Sober-living guests in New Bedford enjoy a comfortable home with ample privacy as well as spacious common areas. There is a large parking area behind the building, as well as an expansive side yard available for activities and enjoyment. Sober-living guests in New Bedford can access many meetings and support services throughout the city. This successful Bristol County home has held MASH Certification for nearly a decade, dedicated to leading men in their recovery journey.

• Faith House #1 is an all female recovery house located in Dorchester, MA.
• Beyond certification, sober houses must comply with local and state regulations.
• Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification.
• Thank you to all the women for listening to Sabrina’s story and all the offers of help.

MASH plays a central role, while governmental agencies like the Department of Public Health can intervene in cases of public health concerns, creating a layered approach to oversight. Explore the essentials of sober house certification and compliance in Massachusetts, including oversight and penalties for non-compliance. Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times. Transitional housing is temporary housing for marijuana addiction the working homeless population and is set up to transition their residents to permanent housing. Not sure who owns these sober homes but they are anything but nice places to live. When you go to take a shower you need to keep all your valuables with you or they wont be yours any longer.

If approved, ATR funding will be paid directly to the sober house to cover housing costs. Additional support services, such as employment assistance and recovery coaching, may also be provided. These trainings equip operators and staff with the knowledge to maintain compliance, support residents, and foster sustainable sober living communities. In severe cases where non-compliance threatens public safety or resident welfare, Massachusetts law permits emergency actions such as injunctions or restraining orders to cease operations immediately. Maintaining compliance is critical to ensuring the safety and success of both the sober house and its residents. Beyond certification, sober houses must comply with local and state regulations.

🚀 Thinking of Opening a Sober House in Massachusetts?

Learn more about becoming an independent operator with Vanderburgh Sober Living. To qualify for RAP funding, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their recovery status, financial situation, and housing needs. MASH maintains a master list of all sober homes that it has certified in Massachusetts. It is searchable by name, region, town, zip code and type of service offered. 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. You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts.

This certification enhances credibility and provides residents with a safe, supportive environment. 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.

🚀 Thinking of Opening a Sober House?

• This is not usual in Massachusetts, where the broader community is skeptical about recovery housing.
• Most of our community has been through an inpatient rehab program or halfway house and have learned about the disease of addiction and the tools needed in order to stay sober.
• The inspection verifies that your home complies with MASH standards for safety, governance, peer support, and resident rights.

The Access to Recovery (ATR) program is a federally funded initiative administered in Massachusetts by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). ATR provides individuals in recovery with financial assistance for sober living and other recovery-related services to help them rebuild their lives and achieve independence. 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 supports and equips operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. 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.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 127A, empowers the Department of Public Health to establish health and safety standards for residential facilities. This statute ensures sober houses maintain a habitable environment for residents. Whether you are battling for the Stanley Cup, or fighting for your recovery, you cannot do it alone.

Their mission is to empower individuals on their recovery journey by offering funding to cover sober house fees and related expenses, ensuring access to marijuana addiction safe and supportive housing. 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 ensure sober homes in Massachusetts provided safe, supportive, and structured environments for individuals in recovery. The journey to recovery can be challenging, and for many individuals, finding safe and supportive housing is a critical step. The Access to Recovery (ATR) program in Massachusetts offers financial support to help individuals in early recovery transition into stable sober living environments. ATR funding helps cover housing costs and other essential services that promote long-term sobriety and self-sufficiency.

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. Upon arriving at a sober-living house from rehab or detox, a woman can expect a safe and supportive environment that promotes long-term sobriety. The house managers will assist in helping her settle in and become familiar with the house rules and daily routine. She will receive help and support from those knowledgeable about addiction and recovery. Our team will guide you in developing healthy habits, setting goals, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the recovery process.