Sober homes applying for annual recertification must remit payment of certification fees during the recertification process and prior to scheduling the home inspection. FSSP grants (up to $80,000 per Sober Home) will provide the funding necessary to bring Sober Homes into compliance with MGL c. 148 s. 26H, as this new fire safety code is adopted by local cities and towns in Massachusetts. MASH maintains a master list of all sober homes that it has certified in Massachusetts. This list currently contains 177 entries.

Inspections

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. 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. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).

Recovery Support Domain

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. We expect our residents to be actively involved in an individual recovery mash certified sober homes plan. We facilitate in- house AA and NA meetings, and all residents are subject to supervised drug and alcohol testing. 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.

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

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. 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). A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf. Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission.

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 all-in-one app handles rent collection, admissions, property management, residents’ care coordination, community contacts, transportation details, calendars, staff, alumni and more – all from the convenience of your phone. © 2024 💜  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. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) was founded.

Massachusetts Alliance for 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. Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the sober home operator) to operate a sober home on the property. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about opening your sober living home in Massachusetts. Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times. If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files.

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing Maintains a List of All Certified Sober Homes in the State

The mission of the MASH is to support individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments. MASH is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of residents through rigorous certification standards that align with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term recovery. 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators.
• Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard.

E. Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment

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 staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality. Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible. This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant.

• Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information.
• In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).
• Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts.
• Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
• Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents.

Apply for Certification

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. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement. Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits.

• All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected.
• 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).
• Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing.
• Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors are only able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug-free (ADF) housing.
• Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.
• 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.