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. 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.

• The journey to recovery requires more than sober homes.
• 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.
• 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.
• On Sober House Directory, you can find numerous options for sober living with male, female, co-ed, certified and non-certified sober housing options across Massachusetts.

» MASH Standards

As we say often at MASH, “Home is not a place. It is a feeling.”  Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. Certified sober homes alcoholism symptoms have comfortable spaces for living, sleeping, and engaging with peers, all of which make them valuable and safe spaces for recovery. It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated sober homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation.

From the Massachusetts Alliance of Sober Housing website:

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. MASH is an affiliate of NARR and used these standards to create Massachusetts standards for certified sober homes. NARR has since released two updates to the standards, first in October 2015 and then in 2018. 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.

Recovery Resources for Massachusetts Sober House Residents

Sober House Directory helps you find sober houses, structured group homes, and sober living. Purple pins represent certified homes. Home color identifies men and women. We do not show halfway houses, treatment programs, or rehabilitation facilities.

Directory Growth

• Since then, Vanderburgh House has contributed to the recovery community in many neighborhoods, strengthening and supporting the recovery community through promoting truly remarkable sober living.
• Our organization also provides supervision and training for sober homes, and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes.
• If you are looking for recovery resources in Massachusetts, please visit our Massachusetts Sober House Recovery Resources page.
• A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded.
• Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements.

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. Massachusetts offers many sober living homes and recovery residences for those in recovery from addiction. Throughout Massachusetts you will certified and structured sober living for both men and women in recovery. Massachusetts boasts one of the best recovery environments in the United States, and certainly one of the strongest sober living communities in New England.

» Certified Sober Homes

Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.

• NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like MASH implement.
• Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts recognizes the need for quality sober housing and recovery resources.

Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc. We are active from the local to the state level, continuously advocating mash sober houses for the rights of sober home residents and operators. Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend.