In Methuen, a husband-wife team was harassed by the city with several lengthy requests for code-related information and inspections. This is not usual in Massachusetts, where the broader community is skeptical about recovery housing. MassHousing (The Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency) is an independent, quasi-public agency created in 1966 and charged with providing financing for affordable housing in Massachusetts. The Agency raises capital by selling bonds and lends the proceeds to low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners, and to developers who build or preserve affordable and/or mixed-income rental housing.
» Certification
- Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided.
- 27.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors.
- Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.
- 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 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, $23,600Grant funds will help support new resiliency and recovery support services, and job-readiness skills for women in recovery in Boston, Lynn and Springfield. We strive to create a mutual respect and accountability culture where residents can feel comfortable and secure in their journey toward lasting recovery.
Physical Environment Domain
All MASH sober homes meet national standards based on the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) model. Through the Center for Community Recovery Innovations (CCRI), MassHousing provides grants to promote the creation and preservation of affordable housing for individuals in recovery and their families. Additionally, MASH offers funding through its various grant programs to support sober housing initiatives. For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing
Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from substance use but may also include other demographic criteria. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas. Evidence that some rules are made by the residents that the residents (not the staff) implement. Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information. 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). Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible.
What is expected of residents of a sober home? Residents of sober homes are expected to abstain from alcohol and drug use, other than prescribed medications, and to refrain from prescription misuse. Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements. MASH-certified sober homes are governed by standards that address safety from mash certified sober homes an administrative, operational, property, and “good neighbor” perspective. In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes. Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing.
- Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
- It’s worth keeping an eye on this agency to see if they’ll make a similar move in the future.
- Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards.
- Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the sober home operator) to operate a sober home on the property.
- Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing
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While the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) in Massachusetts is responsible for certifying all addiction treatment programs in the state, it does not certify sober living homes. Instead, Massachusetts contracts that work out to MASH. Steppingstone, Inc., Fall River, $100,000 MassHousing grant funds will help renovate 28 sober housing units for women in Fall River. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) was founded. NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts.
Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated. Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement. 29.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors.
“People in recovery from substance use have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and these CCRI grants will positively impact those working to overcome addiction,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. “MassHousing is pleased to provide this resource for sober housing for men, women, families and senior citizens in communities across the Commonwealth.” Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes. Additionally, notice will be going to identified sober homes of this effective date. Any home not certified by September 1, 2016 will not be able to accept clients from state agencies or their vendors until certified.
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. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings.
