For more information, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Since its inception, MassHousing has provided more than $30 billion for affordable housing. Mental Health Association, Holyoke, $28,837Grant funds will support renovations to preserve 16 units of sober housing for LGBTQ+ individuals in Holyoke. SEMCOA, Inc., and High Point, New Bedford, $200,000Grant funds will be used help acquire property to create four new units of sober housing for women and children in New Bedford.

MASH Certified Sober Homes

MASH offers specialized training programs for recovery coaches, equipping them with the skills needed to provide effective support and guidance to residents. Dismas House, Oakham, $125,000Grant funding will help construct six new affordable housing units for families and individuals. 29.e Documentation that resident and staff mash certified sober homes engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Provide structured scheduled, curriculum-driven, and/or otherwise defined support services and life skills development. Trained staff (peer and clinical) provide learning opportunities.

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

10.a 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. Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be, or could potentially be, responsible. This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant. Any resident who drinks alcohol or uses drugs must be immediately expelled. Resident and staff orientations include how to greet and interact with neighbors and/or concerned parties.

Massachusetts Association of Sober Homes

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. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing). These standards were developed using a collaborative approach with input from regional and national recovery housing organizations.

• Our mission at NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RECOVERY RESIDENCES (NARR) is to enhance access to quality recovery residences by setting standards, providing education, and advocating for those in addiction recovery.
• Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
• Recognizing the importance of holistic recovery, MASH implements health and wellness programs that include fitness activities, nutrition education, and mental health support.
• In 2007, eight sober house operators established the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
• MASH integrates technology into sober living practices, utilizing apps and online platforms to provide residents with access to recovery resources, virtual meetings, and continuous support.
• Gandara Mental Health Center, Inc., Northampton, $27,000Grand funds will support renovations to preserve eight units of sober housing for men in Northampton.
• He opened his first home in 2012 with his two brothers.

Apply for Certification

Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. 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.

• 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Seven years later, in 2014, legislation was passed which created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober houses, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.

South Middlesex Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Worcester, $14,750MassHousing grant funds will help rehabilitate 19 single-room occupancy units of affordable sober housing for women at Pax House in Worcester. Everyone in recovery has the right to safe and livable housing in Massachusetts, whether you are looking to rent or own, or to live in certified sober housing. In any phase of recovery, housing is important in making a person feel safe and connected to their community. You have rights and protections through all stages of getting and keeping your housing. 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.

B. Core Principle: Uphold Residents’ Rights

• The Agency raises capital by selling bonds and lends the proceeds to low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners, and to developers who build or preserve affordable and/or mixed-income rental housing.
• Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff.
• The third version of the NARR standards provides more explicit guidance to providers, including metrics for evaluating the peer support components of a residence’s recovery environment.
• 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.
• In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).

“MassHousing is pleased to provide this resource for sober housing for men, women, families and senior citizens in communities across the Commonwealth.” Please use the link to access information on Sober Housing Certification. This link includes an updated list of certified sober homes, the certification standards, a certification application for with instructions and how to file a grievance.

» MASH Team

Any home not certified by September 1, 2016 will not be able to accept clients from state agencies or their vendors until certified. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Instagram and LinkedIn. MASH facilitates peer-led support groups within sober homes, encouraging residents to share experiences, offer mutual support, and build a sense of community.

Center for Community Recovery Innovations (CCRI)

• An ardent supporter of housing and ending homelessness.
• We strive to create a mutual respect and accountability culture where residents can feel comfortable and secure in their journey toward lasting recovery.

MASH-certified sober homes are governed by standards that address safety from an administrative, operational, property, and “good neighbor” perspective. Phil Reason is the owner/operator of Daily Living Recovery House, LLC and a recent graduate of Boston University’s Master’s in Public Health and Master’s in Social Work programs. His expertise in addiction treatment, public health, and research contributes positively to the mission of MASH. Phil clearly understands the challenges and triumphs of individuals on their journey to sobriety. His experience in creating and managing a supportive and nurturing living environment for individuals in recovery has further enriched his understanding of the complexities of addiction and the importance of comprehensive care.