Massachusetts Sober House Certification and Compliance Guide

Massachusetts continues to face challenges related to substance use and overdose, making recovery housing mash sober housing an essential resource for many communities. Amenities include on site laundry, air conditioning, parking, full kitchens, living/dining rooms and quick access to public transportation. VSL Chartered Operators receive mock inspection templates, pre-inspection checklists, and coaching to ensure they’re fully prepared.

Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents. 19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations. Policy and procedures for drug screening and/or toxicology protocols. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents.

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

• These facilities provide a structured, safe environment that fosters sobriety and personal growth.
• This statute ensures sober houses maintain a habitable environment for residents.
• ”Certified alcohol and drug free housing”, alcohol and drug free housing that has been accredited by the bureau pursuant to this section.
• 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.
• This training can be done during your certification process while you prepare documents and get ready for your inspection.

In addition to financial support, Curran’s Calling https://ecosoberhouse.com/ offers life-skills mentoring and recovery coaching to help recipients rebuild their lives with confidence and stability. Sober living homes are a vital part of the recovery journey, providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent living. In Massachusetts, these homes—especially those certified by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)—help residents stay sober through peer support, accountability, and community. Massachusetts offers limited direct funding for sober living, but specific programs can help. Project NORTH provides short-term rent assistance for eligible court-involved individuals residing in participating MASH-certified sober homes, administered in partnership with the Trial Court and BSAS. Please use the link to access information on Sober Housing Certification.

CCRI (Center for Community Recovery Innovations) Grant Programs

Applicants should align their policies and home operations with NARR Level II standards and ensure documentation, insurance, and house management policies are in place. 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. Neighborhood associations and local governments engage with operators to address concerns such as safety or community impact. Public hearings and meetings provide platforms for dialogue, balancing the needs of residents and the broader community. Oversight and enforcement of sober house compliance involve multiple stakeholders. MASH plays a central role, while governmental agencies like the Department of Public Health can intervene in cases of public health concerns, creating a layered approach to oversight.

HAVE A CORPORATE COMPLIANCE QUESTION?

The Foundation is based in Boston, was founded in 2001, and became a private foundation in 2006. The Foundation is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. RH terminology used by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) References sober homes. (e) The director shall periodically evaluate the quality of training being provided to operators seeking certification and the integrity and efficacy of the accreditation program. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.

We’ll help you open a MASH certified sober house from start to finish.

The Release Recovery Foundation offers the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community seeking support for sober living and addiction treatment. This scholarship was established to help address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery, such as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of communal inclusion in treatment settings. 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. In Massachusetts, sober house certification is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). As the state’s affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH ensures that sober living homes meet strict standards for safety, support, and structure.

• Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification.
• The Foundation is based in Boston, was founded in 2001, and became a private foundation in 2006.
• Certifying your sober house through MASH is a critical step toward offering a safe, structured, and recovery-focused home for individuals rebuilding their lives.
• Operators may access funding through MASH-administered grants when available.

The MASH Rent Assistance Program (RAP) funding has been reopened and the application is now open new applicants. Property insurance is essential to cover damages from natural disasters, vandalism, or other incidents. Workers’ compensation insurance is necessary if staff are employed, providing coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses.

Our team will guide you in developing healthy habits, setting goals, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the recovery process. 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.

Release Recovery Foundation: LGBTQIA+ Sober Living Scholarship

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). For updated information, please check with MASH directly. Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification. Insurance estimate is based on an average cost, your final premium cost will be determined by the type of coverage you select.

Certification Application Steps

Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire marijuana addiction and safety hazards. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated.

Property Owner Portal

MASH maintains a master list of all sober homes that it has certified in Massachusetts. It is searchable by name, region, town, zip code and type of service offered. This tool is an invaluable resource to those considering operating in the state because you can use it to better understand the market and identify holes in the state’s offerings. Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend. Submit an application online and receive a call back within 24 hours. Certification begins with an online application and supporting documentation.