MASH Certification

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 mission of the MASH is to support individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments. 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. These standards ensure that sober homes provide safe, structured, and supportive environments crucial for long-term recovery.

How MASH Certification Ensures Safe, Supportive Sober Housing in Massachusetts

• Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality.
• This information needs to be in writing and signed by the applicant.
• Limited financial support for transportation, clothing, and other essential items related to employment and housing stability.
• Additional support services, such as employment assistance and recovery coaching, may also be provided.

Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission. Financial aid for vocational training, such as obtaining certifications or tools for employment. Resident and staff orientations include how to greet and interact with neighbors and/or concerned parties. Residents are linked to mutual aid, recovery activities and recovery advocacy opportunities.

Workforce Development and Employment Services:

ATR funding helps cover housing costs and other essential services that promote long-term sobriety and self-sufficiency. 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. The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to work towards the same goals as MASH in supporting sober house operators.

Certifying a sober house with MASH

• Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents.
• The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) is involved in several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of sober living environments across the state.
• The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to work towards the same goals as MASH in supporting sober house operators.
• 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.

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. Use of mash certified sober homes an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits.

• Short-term rental assistance to help individuals establish themselves in recovery housing.
• Read more about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), including it’s history, standards, and impact on recovery housing nationwide.
• Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care.
• ATR focuses on helping individuals overcome barriers to successful reintegration into society by offering support in areas such as housing, employment, and recovery coaching.
• Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources.

Common Questions About ATR Sober House Funding

Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.

• ATR funding helps cover housing costs and other essential services that promote long-term sobriety and self-sufficiency.
• 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).
• A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf.
• Ongoing peer support to help individuals maintain sobriety and stay engaged in their recovery.

Our mission at NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RECOVERY RESIDENCES (NARR) is to enhance access to quality recovery residences by setting standards, providing education, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ advocating for those in addiction recovery. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling to afford sober living, the ATR program could provide the financial assistance needed to continue your recovery journey. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded. NARR established national standards Twelve-step program for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts. This alignment with NARR standards helped MASH strengthen its certification process and expand its influence across the state​.