This program is essential for helping homes comply with state and local fire safety codes, thereby ensuring a safe living environment for residents. 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. In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes.

State Certification for Sober Living Homes in Massachusetts is Optional – But There’s a Catch

• What’s the difference between a sober home and a recovery residence?
• Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing.
• All rooms are double occupancy.

All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected. (b) The bureau shall establish and provide for the administration of a voluntary training and accreditation program for operators of alcohol and drug free housing seeking certification under subsection (d). MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. Our “family” way of life will provide a safe and clean environment that is ideal for continuing long-term recovery. We provide a structured environment for recovering addicts to begin living their lives clean and sober outside the confines of a drug treatment center or detention center. It can be very difficult to find funding for sober living home projects in any state, and Massachusetts is no different.

The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

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. Sober house certification in Massachusetts is managed by the Massachusetts mash certified sober homes 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.

C. Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership

If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files. An increase in beds will require an additional inspection to the sober home. ”Director”, the director of substance abuse services. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law.

Certifying a sober house with MASH

• New Life Sober House is a men’s sober living community, based in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts.
• Instead, Massachusetts contracts that work out to MASH.
• Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.
• Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information.
• In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.