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. In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
Massachusetts Association of Sober Homes
A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. Establishing a strong sober home community culture is critical to success in recovery. MASH-certified sober homes must also offer a peer-based environment and be drug- and alcohol-free.
I. Core Principle: Cultivate the Resident’s Sense of Belonging and Responsibility for Community
Research the home before you make a decision. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for sober houses. NARR began to affiliate with state-level organizations to promote evidence-based standards for sober houses and other residential recovery programs and centers. MASH is affiliated with NARR and helps promote these standards at sober houses across Massachusetts.
MASH Sober House Directory
- Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.
- Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.
- It advances research, data and design in the City’s program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions.
- Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures.
- Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
In 2007, eight sober house operators established MASH. Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober houses, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. Massachusetts recognizes the need for quality sober housing and recovery resources. The support provided by sober home communities is combined with local clinical recovery support organizations to serve those in recovery from addiction. Sober House Directory provides information on sober house certification for each state in the database, including for sober living in Massachusetts.
Directory Information
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 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 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.
- The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to work towards the same goals as MASH in supporting sober house operators.
- Establishing a strong sober home community culture is critical to success in recovery.
- 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.
MASH is a NARR state affiliate for recovery residences. The primary mission of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes is to promote the establishment, successful management, and growth of high quality community-based sober-living residences. What is expected of residents of a sober home? Residents of sober homes are expected to abstain from alcohol and drug use, other than prescribed Alcoholics Anonymous medications, and to refrain from prescription misuse.
How MASH Certification Ensures Safe, Supportive Sober Housing in Massachusetts
27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs. 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. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services. Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes mash sober houses lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to reflect recovery principles. 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. © 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.
G. Core Principle: Facilitate Active Recovery and Recovery Community Engagement
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. 27.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors. Residents are linked to mutual aid, recovery activities and recovery advocacy opportunities. Community gatherings, recreational events and/or other social activities occur periodically. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents.