In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery. Recovery residences —formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment. Sober homes provide mutual support, emphasize independent living skills, and depend on peer leadership. Power Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals in early recovery by providing financial assistance for sober living in Massachusetts.

Sober House Certification in Massachusetts

As of July 2024, the total cost for certification is $425, which includes the application and inspection. Once paid, you’ll receive your certification and listing in the MASH Directory—a key source of referrals for many homes. If your goal is to operate a credible, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sustainable, and impactful sober living home, certification is the foundation.

“Certified Sober Living Homes”

They mash sober housing tend to reach capacity shortly after they are announced, so we strongly recommend registering to attend this training as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to get a seat. With assistance from Commonwealth Green Low-Income Housing Coalition, area nonprofits are accessing green energy initiatives that conserve resources, lower energy costs, and benefit their mission. Learn more about the Herren Project at our article dedicated to this helpful funding program.

How Sober Living Works in Massachusetts

We certify, support, and elevate recovery residences that meet Sober living home national best practices — helping ensure residents have safe, supportive environments where long-term recovery can thrive. Though The Willing House does Not provide treatment of any kind, our preferred provider at Lake Avenue Recovery has best in class addiction treatment for those seeking a higher level of care. 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. Please use the link to access information on Sober Housing Certification.

Recovery Housing Information

• Sober homes support various abstinence-based pathways to recovery, and each residence focuses on one or more particular pathway.
• 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.

Certification costs $425 per year (effective July 1, 2024), which includes an inspection fee. Certified homes must renew annually, undergo reinspection, and notify MASH of any operational or management changes. According to the Department of Public Health, approximately 2,125 residents died from opioid-related overdoses in 2023, marking a 10% decline from the previous year.

Looking For Grants for Your Sober Living Home Startup in Massachusetts?

• Non-compliance with sober house standards in Massachusetts can lead to significant repercussions.
• Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes.

After a successful inspection, MASH will send you a certification invoice. As of July 1, 2024, the total certification fee is $425 ($375 for certification + $50 for the inspection). Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification.

Are you a state agency, licensed provider, individual, or family looking for a MASH-certified sober home? Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes. All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected. Before you apply, it’s important to understand the framework MASH uses to certify homes. All certified residences must meet NARR Level II standards—peer-run homes without onsite staff or clinical services, but with strong structure, accountability, and peer support.

A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded. NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts. This alignment with NARR standards helped MASH strengthen its certification process and expand its influence across the state​. 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.

Medicaid and Insurance Notes for Sober Living in Massachusetts

This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards. Failure to secure adequate insurance exposes operators to financial liabilities and legal challenges. In the event of a lawsuit or claim, uninsured operators may face substantial expenses, jeopardizing the operation of the sober house and resident well-being. Oversight and enforcement of sober house compliance involve multiple stakeholders.

The Residential Assistance Program (RAP) is a critical funding source for individuals seeking financial support for sober living in Massachusetts. This program is managed in partnership with the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), offering direct assistance to eligible individuals who need help covering the cost of MASH-certified sober housing. In 2014, legislation in Massachusetts further validated MASH’s efforts by creating a formal, voluntary certification for sober homes. This legislation allowed MASH to manage statewide certification, providing oversight and ensuring that homes met the established standards. Two years later, in 2016, state agencies and their vendors were required to refer clients only to MASH-certified homes, solidifying MASH’s role as the leading authority on sober housing in Massachusetts​.