
These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term 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).

Men of Dignity: Elm Sober House │ Sober Living for Men in Worcester, MA

Visit their application page to apply online. Applications take about five minutes to complete, and most applications can be approved within 24 hours. Read more about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), including it’s history, standards, and impact on recovery housing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ nationwide. Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
No Matter What Sober House Vanderburgh Sober Living for Women in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
- A list of all sober houses in Massachusetts on Sober House Directory is available here.
- Residents live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse.
- For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts.
- Our homes and their atmospheres are nurtured by the guests they provide for.
The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators. 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. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.

Program Certification

Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. 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. Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff. A mash certified sober homes policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement.
- In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).
- 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.
- Please contact us to update any listing information.
- Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.
- 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).
- We cannot guarantee accuracy of listing information.
Certifying a sober house with MASH
MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. The sober house certification standards set by MASH can be found here. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for sober houses.

Sober Living In Massachusetts
Purple pins represent certified homes. Home color identifies men and women. We do not show halfway houses, treatment programs, or rehabilitation facilities.
Resident and staff orientations include how to greet and interact with neighbors and/or concerned parties. 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 drug addiction treatment advocacy opportunities. Community gatherings, recreational events and/or other social activities occur periodically.