MASH operates without state or federal funding and is guided by a dedicated team committed to advancing quality, ethical recovery housing. By becoming certified, you’re not just meeting standards — you’re sustaining a statewide movement to protect and improve recovery residences for years to come. These trainings equip operators and staff with the knowledge to maintain compliance, support residents, and foster sustainable sober living communities. Before applying, operators must complete Sober Housing 101, a required training that covers certification standards and expectations. Applicants should align their policies and home operations with NARR Level II standards and ensure documentation, insurance, and house management policies are in place. Certifying your sober house through MASH is a critical step https://ecosoberhouse.com/ toward offering a safe, structured, and recovery-focused home for individuals rebuilding their lives.

Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

MASH is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of residents through rigorous certification standards that align with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. Sober house certification in Massachusetts is administered by the Massachusetts 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.

• After review, MASH schedules an on-site inspection to verify compliance with housing and operational standards.
• Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be responsible.
• Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire andsafety hazards.
• This link includes an updated list of certified sober homes, the certification standards, a certification application for with instructions and how to file a grievance.
• Stable, certified sober living homes give individuals leaving treatment or incarceration a structured environment to maintain sobriety, secure employment, and rebuild social connections.

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

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline offers navigation support for housing and recovery resources. © 2026 💜  Vanderburgh Sober Living ™ is a cooperative network of independently operated sober living homes organized by The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. The VSL and Vanderburgh House ™ brands are used with permission by VSL Chartered Operators. 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. Provide structured scheduled, curriculum-driven, and/or otherwise defined support services and life skills development.

State agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified sober homes.

Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.9.d.Evidence that staff are expected to model genuineness, empathy, respect, support and unconditional positive regard. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts was established in 1991 and is based in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Foundation’s mission is to support communities in its area of service. VSL’s Operator CommunityTap into the VSL community for hands-on training, proven resources, and trusted partners to accelerate your success. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy, and positive regard.

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 supports mash certified sober homes and equips operators to strengthen their local communities through effective sober housing. Sober living homes, also called recovery residences, are peer-driven environments that support residents committed to abstinence and personal growth. These homes emphasize structure, accountability, and community rather than clinical treatment. In Massachusetts, sober house certification is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH).

This legislation allowed MASH to manage statewide certification, providing oversight and ensuring that homes met the established standards. Two years later, in 2016, state agencies and their vendors were required to refer clients only to MASH-certified homes, solidifying MASH’s role as the leading authority on sober housing in Massachusetts​. MASH Certification ensures that sober living homes operate safely, ethically, and in alignment with state and national recovery housing standards.

Safety

Limited financial support for transportation, clothing, and other essential items related to employment and housing stability. Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building. Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors are only able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug-free (ADF) housing.

Learn more about the Herren Project at our article dedicated to this helpful funding program. The RAP program has been reopened and accepting new applicants. Recovery Housing Leadership alcohol rehab AcademyLearn how to launch, certify, and lead a successful recovery home through a focused, nine-part expert training series.