Certified homes must maintain proper documentation, ensuring transparency. This certification enhances credibility and provides residents with a safe, supportive environment. 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.
Step 2: Attend MASH Sober Housing 101 Training
VSL Chartered Operators receive hands-on support, document templates, and pre-inspection checklists to make certification smooth and stress-free. Contact VSL for assistance today. Carefully read the MASH Certification Standards and Massachusetts Sober Home Law. Understanding how these standards apply to your home is crucial for passing inspection and maintaining certification. Your vision of opening your own sober house is within reach—let’s make it real. Bollards crash tested to this ASTM standards are often required in locations where pedestrians or property are at risk.
How MASH Certification Ensures Safe, Supportive Sober Housing in Massachusetts
Community or residence meetings are held at least once a week. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents. Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality. Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible.
State Certification for Sober Living Homes in Massachusetts is Optional – But There’s a Catch
- 29.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.
- 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.
- Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified.
Once all of your required documents have been submitted and accepted by MASH, the next step is scheduling your on-site home inspection. VSL Chartered Operators gain access to a full library of proven templates, policies, forms, and supporting documents — resources that mash sober housing have helped our members successfully and easily obtain MASH certification. Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator.
An increase in beds will require an additional inspection to the sober home. 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 alcoholism inspection). For updated information, please check with MASH directly. Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification.
Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take grievances that are not resolved by the house leadership to the operation’s oversight organization for mediation. You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts. However, there are benefits to doing so. MASH Certification isn’t just a badge — it’s a commitment to the future of quality recovery housing in Minnesota.
A History of the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing
- Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
- Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement.
- It’s worth keeping an eye on this agency to see if they’ll make a similar move in the future.
They are not https://firehouzepizza.co/alcohol-use-disorder-causes-why-do-people-become/ licensed and are not funded by the state. 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. VSL to support and equip operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. If you or a loved one is struggling to afford sober living, the ATR program could provide the financial assistance needed to continue your recovery journey. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded.
