Amidst the backdrop of regulatory challenges faced by some sober houses in the area, finding the right residence that offers a safe and conducive space is paramount. Community members are all people in recovery who are actively working a program of recovery. Our main focus is to provide a safe and sober environment for recovering addicts and alcoholics. The Willing House is a MASH Certified Peer-Based Independent Living Community for Men and Women in Recovery. The Willing House provides independent living, with accountability, continuing and continuity of recovery for those who want to learn a new way to live. The Pilot Program to Help Individuals in Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder Become Stably Housed (Recovery Housing Program), was authorized under Section 8071 of the Support for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act in 2020.
Sober Living Certification in Massachusetts: MASH
In Massachusetts, certification is voluntary but essential for visibility and referrals. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 17, Section 18A, only certified ADF housing may receive referrals from state agencies or statewide vendors. The Bureau of boston sober homes Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) oversees this framework, while MASH administers certification and ongoing compliance. VSL’s Operator CommunityTap into the VSL community for hands-on training, proven resources, and trusted partners to accelerate your success. Project NORTH is available to court users involved with any court department, including District Court, Housing Court, Juvenile Court, Probate and Family Court, and Superior Court. Individuals do not need to have an open case or be on probation to access navigation services.
About Strathmore House
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. It is up to the individual to utilize the tools they’ve learned in recovery in order to stay clean and sober. Each recovering individual has one foot in their recovery continuum building a support group for themselves once they leave us, and the other foot in everyday life. As you begin your journey of recovery, you will receive support and encouragement from a ready made peer-based and structured living scenario. At The Willing House, we work to minimize negative influences and triggers, while new, supportive relationships are formed and nurtured through fellowship.
Resources and Next Steps in Massachusetts
This guide explores how sober living works in Massachusetts, who oversees certification, what steps are required to open or certify a sober home, and how funding and regulations affect operators and residents alike. Not all homes offer the same things, so finding one by word of mouth can be helpful. If you have recently completed treatment, the staff can usually provide referrals to local, trustworthy sober living homes. We are committed to providing the guidance and support necessary to foster lasting change.
Related Services
- Residents at Beacon of Hope Sober Living benefit from personalized support and a strong sense of community, making it a top choice for those seeking a stable and nurturing living arrangement in Worcester, Massachusetts.
- These trainings equip operators and staff with the knowledge to maintain compliance, support residents, and foster sustainable sober living communities.
- Many people should begin their journey with detox followed by inpatient rehab, a partial hospitalization treatment or intensive outpatient treatment.
- We strive to create a mutual respect and accountability culture where residents can feel comfortable and secure in their journey toward lasting recovery.
- The house managers will assist in helping her settle in and become familiar with the house rules and daily routine.
At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we specialize in helping individuals secure funding through programs like ATR as well as other financial assistance options available in Massachusetts. 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. 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. In a sober living environment, you can surround yourself with individuals who are committed to sobriety, just like you.
The Bak Realty v. Fitchburg (2025) ruling affirmed that sober living homes are protected under anti-discrimination provisions but must still navigate local zoning case-by-case. Under M.G.L. c.17 §18A, Massachusetts formally defines Alcohol- and Drug-Free housing and establishes the state’s voluntary accreditation process. The law restricts state referrals to certified homes, reinforcing certification as a best practice for safety and accountability. Certification signals that a home upholds best practices for resident safety, peer governance, data tracking, and house management. It also assures referral partners and families that the home meets established standards for recovery housing. Accommodations usually include private or shared bedrooms, furnished living spaces, common areas, and supportive staff.
The Massachusetts Alliance alcoholism symptoms for Sober Housing (MASH) plays a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery by helping to ensure 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. 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. Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts.
Certifying a sober house with MASH
Each home is designed with your needs in mind, providing a safe and welcoming space where you can focus on your recovery. From fully furnished rooms to shared common areas, we aim to create an atmosphere that feels like home. Sober living acts as https://appr.rw/fentanyl-medlineplus-drug-information/ a stepping stone between completing an addiction treatment program and returning to independent living. It offers continued support and guidance during this critical phase of recovery.
Most insurance plans do not cover sober living because it is not considered formal treatment. However, many homes offer sliding scale fees, scholarships, or payment plans to make housing more accessible. Sober living can be especially helpful for people with co-occurring mental health or medical conditions, those without a supportive home environment, or anyone who feels uncertain about maintaining sobriety after rehab. ATR typically provides partial financial assistance, but it may cover full costs depending on individual financial need and funding availability. Catholic Charities’ services can be particularly beneficial for individuals transitioning from treatment to sober living, as they work to restore financial stability and secure long-term housing. We understand that transitioning from sober living to independent living may be difficult.