After working in investment banking and health care startups, Jeff joined Square Medical Group with the goal of creating responsible and effective behavioral health treatment in New England. He graduated from New York University’s Stern School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. Jeff’s involvement with MASH began when he founded the Garnet Recovery Community in Quincy, a 21-bed men’s sober house. He has served on the MASH board since marijuana addiction 2016 as treasurer and president. If approved, ATR funding will be paid directly to the sober house to cover housing costs.
Massachusetts Sober Homes Law
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. Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified. A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. MASH certification is crucial for operating a reputable and successful sober house in Massachusetts.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP): Financial Assistance for Sober Living
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. Through these grants, MASH addresses critical needs, including helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing. 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.
Recovery Support Domain
- Guests feel safe, comfortable and supported at all times.
- Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
- Chelsea’s House, established in 2011, is a community of people who are transitioning from treatment into living life clean in the real world.
- This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards.
- Below you will find a list of sober living houses that are MASH certified and “Rise Again” approved.
- For example, the organization has facilitated significant investments in the expansion of permanent supportive housing across Massachusetts.
It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. Certified sober homes have comfortable spaces for living, sleeping, and engaging with peers, all of which make them valuable and safe spaces for recovery. Beyond certification, sober houses must comply with local and state regulations. Violations of health and safety codes can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day. Repeated violations may lead to court orders mandating compliance or temporary closures until issues are resolved.
DPH awarded a contract to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. In severe cases where non-compliance threatens public safety or resident welfare, Massachusetts law permits emergency actions such as injunctions or restraining orders to cease operations immediately. Maintaining compliance is critical to ensuring the safety and success of both the sober house and its residents. Non-compliance with sober house standards in Massachusetts can lead to significant repercussions. While MASH certification is voluntary, losing certification affects credibility and the ability to attract residents seeking structured environments.
(v) verify good standing with regard to local, state and federal laws and any regulations and ordinances including, but not limited to, building, maximum occupancy, fire safety and sanitation codes. ”Bureau”, the bureau of substance abuse services established in section 18. Compliance is monitored through regular inspections and audits by MASH. These evaluations ensure continued adherence to certification criteria.
- Provide for the health, safety, and welfare of each resident.
- Sober living homes replicate normal, everyday life situations while instilling healthy habits and helping the individual better their lives through employment or education.
- Thank you to all the women for listening to Sabrina’s story and all the offers of help.
- Referrals may come from Trial Court staff, Defense Counsel, the District Attorney’s office, and community partners.
Funds are used for rental vouchers to pay weekly rent to certified sober homes. Neighborhood associations and local governments engage mash sober homes 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. The women here support one another by holding each other accountable, asking for help when needed, and celebrating each other’s successes.
You don’t have to get certified to open a sober living home in Massachusetts. 29.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Sober homes applying for annual recertification must remit payment of certification fees during the recertification process and prior to scheduling the home inspection.
