MASH Training Registrations

Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically-based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster safe living environments for those with substance use disorders. 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. 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. Today, MASH oversees more than 180 certified sober homes.

A History of the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing

19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations. 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.

Choose from the links below to find Transitional housing in Florida

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 mash sober housing 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 Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

I. Core Principle: Cultivate the Resident’s Sense of Belonging and Responsibility for Community

• Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend.
• You will never become involved with the financial or business affairs of a resident you are serving.
• We regularly inspect all member sober homes to ensure safety, quality, and the building of a community of recovery.
• 27.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.
• You will adhere to the policies and standards set forth by MASH.
• It is searchable by name, region, town, zip code and type of service offered.

Today, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about opening your sober living home in Massachusetts. 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. Transitional housing is temporary housing for the working homeless population and is set up to transition their residents to permanent housing.

• A statement attesting to compliance with nondiscriminatory state and federal requirements.
• You will demonstrate activities that benefit the home’s neighbors.
• Today, MASH oversees more than 180 certified sober homes.
• Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives.

• This is not usual in Massachusetts, where the broader community is skeptical about recovery housing.
• This includes borrowing or lending money, buying or selling property, and any other financial transactions.
• At minimum, data collection will protect individual’s identity, be used for continuous quality improvement, be part of day-to-day operations, and regularly reviewed by staff and residents (where appropriate).
• 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 will also disclose home policies regarding living expenses and deposits.

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. 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.

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You will respect the privacy and personal rights of all residents. You will never become involved with the financial or business affairs of a resident you are serving. This includes borrowing or lending money, buying or selling property, and any other financial transactions. You will work to maintain quality housing that meets or exceeds the quality of its neighborhood. You will demonstrate activities that benefit the home’s neighbors.

E. Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment

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. This program is essential for helping homes comply with state and local fire safety codes, thereby ensuring a safe living environment for residents. In 2011, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) established national standards for recovery residences (including sober housing).

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.

• MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.
• Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
• Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
• Search the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Living  (MASH) directory of all certified sober homes, which follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been inspected.
• The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators.
• 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.
• Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible.

Presence and participation are required for both days to receive a certificate of attendance which is required for certification. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents.